With Means Regenerating Solid Sorbent Patents (Class 96/143)
  • Patent number: 7722704
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nitrogen oxide removal equipment, a nitrogen oxide removal method, a container used for the removal of nitrogen oxide, and a method for filling the container. A nitrogen oxide removal equipment 94 according to the present invention supplies gas with the unevenness of flowing amounts eased to an absorption unit 94a via a gas rectification means 108 for supplying gas to a large-area side of solid absorbent layers, the absorption unit 94a being provided with solid absorbent layers including a plurality of low-profile solid absorbents 95 constituting the nitrogen oxide absorption means. Nitrogen oxide contained in gas effectively passes through the solid absorbent layers and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Nishimatsu Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tamotsu Nishi, Tadahiko Itoh, Tsutomu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7708815
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Angstrom Power Incorporated
    Inventor: Joerg Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7708803
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses for removing additional aerosols and in some cases additional particulate matter from a gas stream, wherein a certain portion of such aerosols and particulate matter has already been removed using a primary aerosol and particulate collection device. In some embodiments, the invention includes a method for removing additional aerosols from a gas stream, including passing a gas stream having a plurality of aerosols through a gas duct; removing a first portion of the plurality of the aerosols using a primary aerosol collector; passing the gas steam through a screen; collecting at least a second portion of the plurality of aerosols on the screen; and cleaning a portion of the screen outside of the gas duct. The invention also provides various apparatuses for use in performing the method of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Simpson Berry, Ramsay Chang
  • Publication number: 20100095841
    Abstract: The concentrator separates one gas (i.e. oxygen) from a gas mixture (i.e. air) through the process of vacuum swing adsorption (VSA). An adsorber material is located within an adsorber bed. The adsorber bed has an inlet and an outlet. A valve is located downstream of the outlet. A pump, such as a blower, is provided upstream of the adsorber bed to drive a mixed gas into the adsorber bed. The adsorber material selectively adsorbs an undesirable gas (i.e. nitrogen) leaving a desirable gas (i.e. oxygen) from the mixture to pass through the outlet and through the valve. The pump is reversible. When the adsorber material becomes saturated, the pump is reversed and a vacuum is drawn on the adsorber bed. The valve is closed while the pump is operating in this reverse direction. After the adsorber material has desorbed the undesirable gas, the pump again reverses and the cycle is repeated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Tarik Naheiri
  • Patent number: 7699907
    Abstract: Methods and systems for producing hydrogen are provided. In one embodiment, a method of producing hydrogen comprises reacting a feed source with steam to produce a gas mixture containing hydrogen and a residue gas; introducing the gas mixture into a purification unit; adsorbing the residue gas; and discharging at least a portion of the hydrogen. The method further comprises depressurizing the purification unit; discharging at least a portion of the residue gas during the depressurization; recycling the residue gas to the feed source; and discharging the residue gas remaining in the purification unit. In another embodiment, the method includes discharging a portion of the residue gas during the depressurization such that the residue gas discharged has a higher hydrocarbon content than the secondary product remaining in the purification unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignees: Air Liquide Process & Construction, Inc., L'Air Liquid, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Bhadra S. Grover, Paul Wentink
  • Patent number: 7694674
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 7682428
    Abstract: An oxygen concentration apparatus (300) according to the present invention has: pressure swing adsorption type oxygen concentration means (310); and a control means (350) that controls switching means (316) that switches between intake of pressurized air into an adsorption column (312) and exhaust from the adsorption column. The switching means is controlled based on pressure in oxygen concentrated gas in the conduit measured by pressure measuring means to adjust a cycle of adsorption and regeneration processes of the oxygen concentration means so that pressure at the upstream of flow rate adjusting means (340) can be controlled and, as a result, the need for a mechanical pressure regulating valve, that has been needed conventionally, can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Teijin Pharma Limited
    Inventors: Hideo Nawata, Naotoshi Fujimoto, Kanji Kurome, Sadakazu Matsubara
  • Patent number: 7678179
    Abstract: A processing system according to the present invention is provided including: an adsorption apparatus in which a volatile organic compound contained in gas to be treated is adsorbed in a predetermined absorption agent, and said volatile organic compound thus adsorbed is desorbed using steam under a pressurized environment and mixed with the steam; a gas turbine having a combustor in which the steam mixed with the volatile organic compound is burnt; and a steam generating apparatus which generates steam through the use of the heat of the combustion gas discharged from the gas turbine; and wherein, by supplying compressed air discharged from the gas turbine to the adsorption apparatus, condensation of the steam in the adsorption apparatus at the time of the desorption of the volatile organic compound is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigekazu Uji
  • Patent number: 7637989
    Abstract: A rapid cycle pressure swing adsorption oxygen concentration method uses a mechanical valve that has at least one cam-actuated flow control valve to switch flow of fluid, such as compressed air coming into a sieve tank that is fitted with molecular sieve materials. The cam-actuated flow control valve is repeatedly actuated by the rotating cams to become open or closed to complete a cycle that precisely controls the flow direction, pressure conditions and pressurized timing in the sieve tank whereby performance and efficiency of producing rapidly oxygen is high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Merits Health Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng Chen Bong
  • Patent number: 7608132
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide multiple consecutive purges of an air dryer in a vehicle compressed air system. A dryer throughput sensor has an output indicative of the amount of compressed air that is passed through the dryer. In response, a CPU determines the number of purges needed to purge the dryer; and a valve is operated by the CPU to initiate multiple purges of the dryer when the compressor is unloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: William P. Fornof, Paul Reisinger
  • Patent number: 7601189
    Abstract: A filtering method and a filter device (10) for removing impurities from the breathing air (24) in a room, an air raid shelter or a vehicle. According to the filtering method, the air to be filtered is driven through a carbon dioxide filter (13) by a fan (15), with the result that at least a portion of the carbon dioxide and/or mold spores and other impurities in the air are trapped in the carbon dioxide filter. After the filtering, the filter is regenerated and the carbon dioxide and/or mold spores trapped in it are removed by a technique whereby air heated by a thermal resistor (20) is passed through the filter, this air preferably consisting of the same air to be filtered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Oy Hydrocell Ltd.
    Inventors: Markku Lampinen, Tomi Anttila, Keijo Rauhala
  • Patent number: 7601202
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the carbon dioxide concentration in air of a closed or partially closed unit of space. The inventive method may comprise the steps of removing an air flow from the unit of space, guiding the air flow in a membrane system that may contain at least one membrane module having a CO2/O2 selectivity of greater than 2, removing the carbon dioxide permeated through the membrane, and returning the air flow that has been depleted of carbon dioxide in the membrane system to the unit of space. The inventive method may be optionally combined with an oxygen enrichment method. The invention also relates to corresponding devices for carrying out the inventive method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Blue Membranes GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Noack, Jürgen Kunstmann, Christian Gnabs, Norman Bischofberger, Norbert A. Paul, Jörg Rathenow
  • Publication number: 20090232861
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for extracting carbon dioxide (CO2) from a fluid stream and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments for utilization by a secondary process. Various extraction and delivery methods are disclosed specific to certain secondary uses, included the attraction of CO2-sensitive insects, the ripening and preservation of produce, and the neutralization of brine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: ALLEN B. WRIGHT, Klaus S. Lackner
  • Publication number: 20090230248
    Abstract: A filter includes a metallocene for removing oxygen from a gas stream. The filter further includes a support for the metallocene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Norman Robert Byrd, Charles A. Smith
  • Patent number: 7578872
    Abstract: An underground fuel tank releases vapors depending upon air pressure. A vapor pressure management system has a canister for a vapor recovery system that connects with piping from an underground tank and has carbon therein along with appurtenant pipes and valves. When an ORVR vehicle refuels, the pressure lowers in an underground tank that draws air through the valves into the canister. After refueling an ORVR vehicle, environmental conditions generate hydrocarbon vapors. Barometric pressure drops and evaporated fuel during long refueling lulls produce hydrocarbon vapors at an increased pressure. Those hydrocarbon rich vapors then return to the canister of the system where the carbon binds the hydrocarbons while releasing air to the atmosphere. The refueling of the next ORVR vehicle draws in atmospheric air to purge the hydrocarbons retained in the canister of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur C. Fink, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7572319
    Abstract: An analyte pre-concentrator for gas chromatography is disclosed generally comprising a tube packed with an adsorbent, wherein the tube may serve as the liner of a chromatographic injector, as an adsorbent trap coupled to a chromatographic column, and/or as an adsorbent trap coupled to a headspace sampler. Preferably, a heating device allows the tube to be heated. In a preferred embodiment, the analyte pre-concentrator further comprises a column isolating accessory so that a chromatographic column can be temporarily isolated from substances flowing through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: PerkinElmer LAS, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Tipler, Gary Campbell, Mark Collins
  • Publication number: 20090145301
    Abstract: A revolving gas adsorption concentrator uses about 300 degree centigrade of hot desorption air. The revolving gas adsorption concentrator prevents leakage of such hot desorption air. An elastic seal which has elasticity divides a honeycomb shape rotor into a desorption zone and an adsorption zone and touches the honeycomb shape rotor. A heat-resistant seal comprises of material whose heat resistance is higher than elastic seal. The heat-resistant seal has two plates which has a mutually opened spacing to prevent hot gas from going to the elastic seal based on the labyrinth effectiveness. The elastic seal is formed in the outside of desorption zone from heat-resistant seal. The seal of the hot desorption air is almost blocked by heat-resistant seal and the desorption air which leaked slightly can be thoroughly blocked completely by elastic seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: SEIBU GIKEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Okano, Ken-ichiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 7544234
    Abstract: Various compressed air systems for commercial vehicles are disclosed. In one embodiment, a compressed air system is provided that includes a compressor, an air dryer apparatus, a purge reservoir, and an indicator device. The indicator device comprises a moisture-indicating material that is in contact with the purge air within the purge reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventor: William P. Fornof
  • Publication number: 20090120284
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Rodger P. Grantham
  • Publication number: 20090114094
    Abstract: An improvement is provided in grease trap assemblies for grease traps to be positioned on the roof of commercial buildings such as restaurants. The improvement comprises a system for degreasing that uses, in combination, a grease absorbent material that is porous rock, preferably lava, and a grease digestible microbe capable of digesting fatty acids from cooking fats and oils. Each can as well be used alone, but best results are achieved with the combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: ROBERT V. CLAPP, III, CLAYTON VAUGHAN
  • Patent number: 7520922
    Abstract: A cartridge for an air dryer includes a desiccant volume, a desiccant in the desiccant volume for removing at least one of moisture and contaminants from air, a first passage in fluid communication with the desiccant volume and a first air storage volume, a second passage in fluid communication with the desiccant volume and in fluid communication with a second air storage volume, and a valve which, in a first position, restricts the fluid communication between the desiccant volume and the first air storage volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Fred W. Hoffman, Leonard A. Quinn, Eugene E. Clair
  • Publication number: 20090044704
    Abstract: A method for treating waste gas containing inorganic acid is disclosed. The method includes the following steps: (a) forming a mixture of inorganic acidic gas and a nebulized alkaline solution wherein the nebulized alkaline solution can be produced continuously or periodically; (b) forcing the mixture to pass through an adsorbent bed; and (c) releasing the treated gas. An apparatus for treating the inorganic acid gas with the method illustrated above is also disclosed here. The method can regenerate poisoned adsorbents online, and save time, space and cost simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Keh-Perng Shen, Li-Ting Wang
  • Patent number: 7449046
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement are provided for purifying gases which are fed to a fuel cell for operation. A filter system, which is designed to separate out particulates and polluting gases, is arranged in a feed passage for the respective gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Dirk Schroeter
  • Publication number: 20080264259
    Abstract: A filtration medium includes a fine filter layer having a plurality of nanofibers and a coarse filter layer having a plurality of microfibers attached to the fine filter layer. The coarse filter layer is positioned proximal to a direction of fluid flow, and the fine filter layer is positioned distal to the direction of fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Wallace W. Leung
  • Patent number: 7431900
    Abstract: A hydrogen peroxide vapor generation unit (10) receives hydrogen peroxide and water solution at an interface (20) and interconnects with an air dryer (14) by way of nipples (72, 92). In one embodiment, the dryer includes a clamping assembly (42) which is latched (74, 94) with the nipples and which receives a disposable desiccant cartridge (40). In an alternate embodiment, a reusable desiccant cartridge (40?) is connected directly to the nipples (72, 92). When the desiccant cartridge (40?) is saturated, it is removed and placed in a regenerator unit (120). A regenerated cartridge is installed in its place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Steris Inc
    Inventors: Aaron L. Hill, Arthur T. Nagare, Frank E. Dougherty, Stanley M. Voyten
  • Patent number: 7422724
    Abstract: A biological preconcentrator comprises a stimulus-responsive active film on a stimulus-producing microfabricated platform. The active film can comprise a thermally switchable polymer film that can be used to selectively absorb and desorb proteins from a protein mixture. The biological microfabricated platform can comprise a thin membrane suspended on a substrate with an integral resistive heater and/or thermoelectric cooler for thermal switching of the active polymer film disposed on the membrane. The active polymer film can comprise hydrogel-like polymers, such as poly(ethylene oxide) or poly(n-isopropylacrylamide), that are tethered to the membrane. The biological preconcentrator can be fabricated with semiconductor materials and technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald P. Manginell, Bruce C. Bunker, Dale L. Huber
  • Patent number: 7393381
    Abstract: A plurality of different layers of filter media are used to remove siloxanes from a gas stream. Based on an analysis of the specific gas stream to be filtered, a filter media having an average pore size enabling the preferential removal of a specific class of contaminants is selected for each different class of contaminants. The layers are arranged in sequential order such that contaminants having a higher molecular weight are preferentially removed by the first layers. Collectively, the layers define a segmented activity gradient that enables each class of contaminants present in the gas stream to be preferentially removed in a different layer, preventing removal competition between different classes of contaminants. Preferable adsorption media exhibit a relatively narrow range of pore sizes. Both inorganic adsorption media and carbon-based adsorption media exhibiting a relatively narrow range of pore sizes can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Filter Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Tower, Jeffrey V. Wetzel
  • Patent number: 7387662
    Abstract: In a method of separating gaseous pollutants from hot process gases, the process gases are passed through a contact reactor (22), in which an absorbent material in a moistened state is introduced to convert the gaseous pollutants into separable dust. The dust is separated in a dust separator (10). The separated dust is cooled in a first step by being brought into direct contact with a cooling fluid. In a second step, the cooled dust is mixed with a gas containing water vapour, said gas having a saturation temperature that is higher than the temperature of the cooled dust. The dust moistened by condensation of the water vapour is introduced into the contact reactor (22) to be mixed with the process gases. A mixer (24) for moistening of absorbent material has a first end (26) and a second end (28) and is divided into two zones. A first zone is a cooling zone (68) located at the first end (26). A second zone is a moistening zone (80) located at the second end (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Stefan Ahman, Nils Bringfors
  • Publication number: 20080102744
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a ventilation system for a building including a conditioning unit, a ventilation unit and a control unit. The conditioning unit is mounted in at least one of a door and a wall of the building for conditioning air as it moves through or into the building. The conditioning unit includes at least one air inlet and an air outlet, spaced from the air inlet. The at least one air inlet communicates with at least one of air within the building and atmosphere and the air outlet communicates with air within the building. The ventilation unit is spaced from and communicates with the conditioning unit for expelling air from the building to atmosphere. The ventilation unit includes an air inlet and an exhaust air outlet, spaced from the air inlet. The air inlet communicates with air within the building and the exhaust air outlet communicates with atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Carl Moore, Chad J. Bradley, Timothy P. Chapin, Chuck Vinci
  • Patent number: 7350521
    Abstract: Oxygen concentrator system having a portable oxygen generator unit adapted to generate a non-humidified oxygen-rich gas and a stationary base unit adapted to generate a humidified oxygen-rich gas, wherein the portable oxygen generator unit and the stationary base are adapted for operation in a coupled mode and an uncoupled mode. The portable oxygen generator unit includes a first flow coupling adapted to receive the humidified oxygen-rich gas when operating in the coupled mode, piping means adapted to combine the non-humidified oxygen-rich gas and the humidified oxygen-rich gas to form a humidified oxygen-rich gas product, and an oxygen-rich gas product delivery port. The stationary base unit is adapted to recharge a rechargeable power supply system in the portable oxygen generator unit when the units are coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Dean Whitley, Glenn Paul Wagner, Matthew James LaBuda
  • Patent number: 7326278
    Abstract: Decontamination systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system comprises a first adsorption/desorption subsystem that is configured to receive a contaminated gaseous solution and remove substantially all of the contaminants from the contaminated gaseous solution during an adsorption cycle, while a second subsystem is configured to purge captured contaminants during a desorption cycle. An evacuator is configured to drive potentially flammable gas compositions from the subsystem operating in a desorption cycle back into the system such that potentially flammable gas compositions are purged from the subsystem operating in the desorption cycle at the beginning of the desorption cycle. A heat source is configured to heat contaminants adsorbed in the adsorption/desorption subsystems to remove the contaminants from the adsorption/desorption subsystems in a gaseous state during their respective desorption cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Purifics Environmental Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Butters, Anthony L. Powell, John Douglas Pearce, Matthew Brian Frederick Murdock
  • Patent number: 7326269
    Abstract: A filtration unit for use with an environmental control unit (ECU), usually a portable ECU, which includes at least two air flow paths wherein at least one of the air flow paths allows for use of air which has not passed through a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) filter and at least one other does. The filtration unit may have at least three air paths, at least two of which provide NBC filtered air. This filtration unit can provide for longer expected operational life before filter replacement is required in both contaminated and non-contaminated environments. Further, the filtration unit may include remote sensing and control apparatus allowing for quick switching between operational modes depending on the need for filtered vs. unfiltered air and for a decreased reliance on personnel for maintenance and control, and a more simplified setup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Engineered Support Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Wootton, Asdrubal Garcia-Ortiz
  • Patent number: 7316731
    Abstract: Contaminant is removed from a gaseous stream, especially an air stream bearing the contaminant, by adsorption on a sorbent which is a resiliently compressible, electrically conductive, activated carbon cloth material, leaving a gaseous stream liberated of the contaminant; the carbon cloth material loaded with the contaminant may be regenerated by desorption of the contaminant; the carbon cloth material loaded with contaminant is housed in a vacuum and electric current is passed through the carbon cloth material generating heat in the cloth material which is effective to desorb the contaminant which is exhausted under vacuum; the level of heat generated is varied as required, typically to develop a temperature of 250 to 500° C. in the cloth material, by varying the compression of the cloth material; desorption is typically achieved in about 30 minutes at a vacuum of 10 Torr or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: McGill University
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Farant, Gerald Desbiens
  • Patent number: 7311757
    Abstract: An analyte pre-concentrator for gas chromatography is disclosed generally comprising a tube having a restricted outlet and packed with an adsorbent, wherein the tube serves as the liner of a chromatographic injector, as an adsorbent trap coupled to a chromatographic column, and/or as an adsorbent trap coupled to a headspace sampler. Preferably, a heating device allows the tube to be heated. In a preferred embodiment, the analyte pre-concentrator further comprises a column isolating accessory so that a chromatographic column can be temporarily isolated from substances flowing through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: PerkinElmer LAS, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Tipler, Gary Campbell, Mark Collins
  • Patent number: 7303611
    Abstract: A humidity adjusting apparatus includes at least one desiccant linearly reciprocated between a dehumidifying unit and a drying unit, and a motor for driving the desiccant to be moved, thereby improving dehumidifying and humidifying efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seong Won Bae, In Hwa Jung, Deok Huh, Sim Won Chin
  • Patent number: 7297187
    Abstract: A gas separation apparatus comprises: at least two absorption beds respectively including an absorbent for absorbing certain gas; at least two three-way valves respectively installed on conduits for respectively connecting the absorption beds and outside of the apparatus; and a pump respectively connected to each end of the absorption beds and the three-way valves, for discharging gas absorbed by the absorbent and gas that is not absorbed by the absorbent. Gas that is absorbed by the absorbent and gas that is not absorbed by the absorbent are discharged by the single pump, thereby having a simple structure and reducing an installation space and a fabrication cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Don-Hee Lee, Seong-Moon Cho
  • Patent number: 7291271
    Abstract: The invention provides a non-cyclic, meso-frequency traveling wave electro-kinetic system capable of use in purification/separation and/or refrigeration/heat pump processes. In particular, the invention provides an adsorption system that can be used for fine or bulk chemical separations of liquid and gaseous materials. Similarly, the adsorption system can be readily adapted to function as a refrigeration/heat pump unit for use in heating and cooling systems. This reusable adsorption system provides high efficiency purification and/or cooling/heating with low energy demands and no moving parts. The invention can function in parallel or in series with other similar such adsorption units (though it can also operate as a single unit).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Separation Design Group, LLC
    Inventor: S. Douglas Galbraith
  • Patent number: 7273051
    Abstract: Oxygen generation system having a portable oxygen generator unit including a portable air separation device for the generation of an oxygen-rich gas, a primary gas pump including means to supply air to the portable air separation device, a primary motor to drive the gas pump, a rechargeable power supply to drive the motor, connector means adapted to deliver power to the rechargeable power supply, flow coupling means to transfer the oxygen-rich gas from the portable oxygen generator unit, and a first oxygen-rich gas product discharge port. The system also includes a stationary base unit adapted to couple with the portable oxygen generator unit, wherein the stationary base unit has a stationary power supply system including connector means adapted to recharge the rechargeable power supply in the portable oxygen generator unit, flow coupling means to receive the oxygen-rich gas from the portable oxygen generator unit, and an optional second oxygen-rich gas product discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Dean Whitley, Glenn Paul Wagner, Matthew James LaBuda
  • Patent number: 7267710
    Abstract: An apparatus for regenerating an adsorbent includes an electrolytic cell filled with an electrolyte and an electrode unit that includes a first electrode made from the adsorbent in which a substance is adsorbed and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are soaked in the electrolyte. The apparatus also includes a power source that supplies a voltage applied between the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Tatsuhara, Akinori Yasutake, Takashi Kurisaki, Norihisa Kobayashi, Tomoaki Sugiyama, Masahiko Nagai
  • Patent number: 7264648
    Abstract: A plurality of different layers of filter media are used to remove siloxanes from a gas stream. Based on an analysis of the specific gas stream to be filtered, a filter media having an average pore size enabling the preferential removal of a specific class of contaminants is selected for each different class of contaminants. The layers are arranged in sequential order such that contaminants having a higher molecular weight are preferentially removed by the first layers. Collectively, the layers define a segmented activity gradient that enables each class of contaminants present in the gas stream to be preferentially removed in a different layer, preventing removal competition between different classes of contaminants. A polymorphous graphite is used as the filter media, because that material is available in a range of well-controlled pore sizes, as opposed to conventional activated carbon filter media, which generally exhibits poorly-controlled pore sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Filter Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey V. Wetzel, Paul M. Tower
  • Patent number: 7264651
    Abstract: For PSA or TSA prepurifiers, the temperature rise on adsorption is particularly troublesome when the temperature rise reaches the end of the bed at the end of the adsorption step. This results in an increase in the CO2 and N2O concentration at the end of the cycle. Addition of a regenerator in the middle of the adsorption layer will reduce the temperature rise at the end of the bed and thus enhance the performance of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory William Henzler, Jeffert John Nowobilski, Mark William Ackley, Michael George Noakes
  • Patent number: 7182802
    Abstract: An evaporative emissions filter for an engine air induction system. The evaporative emissions filter includes a hydrocarbon vapor-adsorbent member disposed within the air induction system. A mechanism is provided for mounting the evaporative emissions filter within the air induction system. Hydrocarbon vapors present in the air induction system after engine shut-down are substantially retained in the adsorbent member until air flows through the air induction system after the engine starts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Bause, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Richard J. Berkey, Bryon W. Stremler, Robert L. Smith, Peter D. Unger, Gary B. Zulauf
  • Patent number: 7172645
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating a first gas from a mixture of the first gas and at least one second gas comprises a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port and an adsorbent which is positioned in the housing. The adsorbent comprising a carbon based foam monolith that has an affinity for the first gas. Thus, as the gas mixture flows through the housing, the first gas will be adsorbed onto the adsorbent and the second gas will exit the housing through the outlet port. In this manner, the first gas is separated from the second gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Pfister, Charles M. Byrd
  • Patent number: 7166149
    Abstract: Using a high pressure rotary adsorbent wheel, a high value compressed gas feed can be purified by concentrating the impurity such as water, condensing it out, before final purification. Instead of exhausting gas from the system, the effluent can be put back into the feed at a point prior to condensation of the high value gas feed, and therefore the entire feed is purified without any high value gas feed going into a waste stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Stephen R. Dunne, Peter K. Coughlin, Rustam H. Sethna
  • Patent number: 7147695
    Abstract: Devices for enhancing the sensitivity of a microsensor or any other micro device by providing on-line preconcentration. Microconcentrators that can be integrated with a sensor or a micromachined GC to enhance the signal to noise ratio can include a miniaturized sorbent trap fabricated on a microchip. The microconcentrator can be made on a silicon substrate so that a sensor can be integrated on the same chip. The microconcentrator is composed of at least one microchannel lined with a microheater for in-situ heating. Preconcentration may be achieved on a thin-film polymeric layer deposited above the heater in the microchannel. Rapid heating by the channel heater generates a “desorption pulse” to be injected into a detector or a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Somenath Mitra
  • Patent number: 7122073
    Abstract: A low void pressure swing adsorption system wherein flow movement and pressure pulse are influenced from the same source comprised of at least one hermetically sealed vessel containing an adsorbent bed with an inlet coupled to the adsorbent bed by way of an inlet header and an outlet coupled to the adsorbent bed by way of an outlet header. Void volume of the inlet and outlet headers can be limited to less than 20% of the adsorbent bed volume, preferably to less than 10%, and most preferably to less than 5%, by mounting high pressure source(s) and/or low pressure sink(s) proximate to, or nearly proximate to, the adsorbent bed/vessel. Low void volumes and reduced cycle times may be achieved in all bed configurations, including flat header beds, segmented beds, and vertical beds. Radial beds may be configured so that the void volume of the inlet and outlet headers is less than 50% of the volume of the radial adsorbent bed, preferably to less than 20%, and most preferably to less than 10%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Notaro, Alan Barnard Stewart, Jeffert John Nowobilski, Guoming Zhong, Arun Acharya
  • Patent number: 7118712
    Abstract: A non-planar chemical preconcentrator comprises a high-surface area, low mass, three-dimensional, flow-through sorption support structure that can be coated or packed with a sorptive material. The sorptive material can collect and concentrate a chemical analyte from a fluid stream and rapidly release it as a very narrow temporal plug for improved separations in a microanalytical system. The non-planar chemical preconcentrator retains most of the thermal and fabrication benefits of a planar preconcentrator, but has improved ruggedness and uptake, while reducing sorptive coating concerns and extending the range of collectible analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald P. Manginell, Douglas R. Adkins, Sara S. Sokolowski, Patrick R. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7118608
    Abstract: A self-powered, personally wearable air purifier includes a sequence of packed bed filter media packets having filter media therein of specifically targeted types that will absorb those ambient air pollutants that have been identified as being particularly dangerous to human health. A HEPA filter is included for the removal of particulate matter that will have adhered thereto many of such pollutants. Media types can be selected to meet different environmental circumstances, including normal highway or city center air, or terrorist attacks of chemical, biological or “dirty bomb” types as on a battlefield or similar environments. Shoulder straps and a chest strap are provided for wearing the apparatus on a user's back, or other means such as a shoulder pouch can also be employed. Emergency substitution of filter media using thermal insulation from the clothing of the user is available upon depletion of the normal media material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: William S. Lovell
  • 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: 7105038
    Abstract: The present invention relates a method for concentrating a gas by applying a pressure difference to an adsorbent and an apparatus therefor, and particularly, a method for producing an enriched gas in a large amount by introducing a continuous production into every step of the process focusing on productivity rather than concentration of the product gas and an apparatus therefor. The present invention relates to a method incorporating the vacuum swing adsorption method with the pressure swing adsorption method, particularly the rapid pressure swing adsorption method which can continuously produce a desired material in a depressurization step to improve recovery rate of the desired material and productivity and an apparatus therefor. The apparatus according to the present invention is advantageously applied in a small size machine rather than for industrial uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignees: JEJ Co., Ltd., LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Junbae Lee, Seong-Moon Cho, Don-Hee Lee