Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080208162 | Device and Method For Thermophoretic Fluid Delivery - A method and device for thermolphoretic fluid or drug delivery through the creation of a thermal gradient in the skin. The device includes a heat generating mechanism capable of transdermal delivery of a beneficial agent, an insulating portion coupled with the heat generating mechanism, a cold generating mechanism coupled with the insulating portion, and wherein the heat generating mechanism and the cold generating mechanism create a thermal potential across dermal regions. The method includes generating a hot dermal region and transdermally delivering a beneficial agent, insulating, generating a cold dermal region, and creating a thermal potential across the hot dermal region and the cold dermal region. | 08-28-2008 |
20080264778 | Cleansing Agent Generator and Dispenser - Electrochemical apparatus and processes for the point-of-use production of cleansing, sanitizing, and antimicrobial agents, such as sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The processes may be used to produce NaOCl from seawater, low purity un-softened or NaCl-based salt solutions. HOCl may be produced from HCl solutions and water. NaOCl is produced using a sodium ion conductive ceramic membrane, such as membranes based on NASICON-type materials, in an electrolytic cell. HOCl is produced using an anion conductive membrane in an electrolytic cell. The cleansing, sanitizing, and antimicrobial agent may be generated on demand and used in household, industrial, and water treatment applications. | 10-30-2008 |
20090056200 | Apparatus and Methods for Producing Biodiesel Using an Alkali Ion Donating Catalyst - Methods and apparatus for synthesizing biodiesel using an alkali ion donating material are disclosed. Generally, the methods include placing an alcohol and a triglyceride in a container having the alkali ion donating material. A biodiesel reaction driving force is applied to the contents of the container. This force may cause the ion donating material to release alkali ions that react with the alcohol to form an alkali alcoholate. In turn, the alkali alcoholate reacts with triglycerides to form biodiesel and an alkali salt of glycerine. When the driving force is removed and where the alkali ion donating material comprises a catalyst with a high affinity for alkali ions, the alkali ion in the alkali salt of glycerine returns to the alkali ion donating material. Accordingly, the apparatus and methods may produce substantially pure biodiesel and glycerine. | 03-05-2009 |
20090057162 | Electrolytic Process to Separate Alkali Metal Ions from Alkali Salts of Glycerine - Methods and apparatus for separating alkali metal ions from alkali salts of glycerine to thereby form clean glycerine. These methods are enabled by the use of alkali ion conductive membranes in electrolytic cells that are chemically stable in low pH conditions. The alkali ion conductive membrane preferably includes a chemically stable ionic-selective polymer membrane. A layered composite of a chemically stable ionic-selective polymer and a cation-conductive ceramic membrane is disclosed. | 03-05-2009 |
20090074735 | TOPICAL PRODUCT CONTAINING SACRIFICIAL MATERIAL FOR NEUTRALIZING FREE RADICALS - A topical product to protect the skin from free radicals is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a carrier medium for topical application to the skin. A sacrificial material that is compatible with the skin is interspersed with the carrier medium. This sacrificial material may be selected to react with free radicals within the skin. The sacrificial material may be further selected to react with water to produce hydrogen (a powerful antioxidant) and a reaction product that is also compatible with the skin. In this way, both the sacrificial material and the hydrogen will react with free radicals to provide protection against free radicals. | 03-19-2009 |
20090090277 | Coal Fired Flue Gas Treatment and Process - A process for treating flue gas containing fly ash and carbon dioxide is disclosed. In the process, carbon dioxide and fly ash are contacted with an aqueous metal hydroxide solution to convert carbon dioxide into a metal carbonate, and wherein the metal carbonate and the metal hydroxide cause the fly ash to undergo a geopolymerization reaction and form a geopolymerized fly ash. The geopolymerized fly ash is recovered for disposal or for further use, such as a concrete additive. | 04-09-2009 |
20090131888 | Electrochemical Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Device - A disposable wound-healing device is disclosed that incorporates a housing having a fluid-impermeable material having a cavity and a perimeter that can be sealed in an air-tight manner over a wound region of a patient. The device is capable of producing a negative pressure over the wound region by either removing oxygen from within the cavity, or absorbing fluid into the cavity and then removing the fluid from the cavity. The oxygen may be removed via chemical absorption, by an electrochemical cell or by a chemical reaction that cannibalizes oxygen from the cavity. The fluid may be removed through the use of osmotic or electro-osmotic cells, or through a one-way valve. The negative partial pressure over the wound region promotes healing. | 05-21-2009 |
20090134040 | Process For Recovering Alkali Metals and Sulfur From Alkali Metal Sulfides and Polysulfides - Alkali metals and sulfur may be recovered from alkali polysulfides in an electrolytic process that utilizes an electrolytic cell having an alkali ion conductive membrane. An anolyte solution includes an alkali polysulfide and a solvent that dissolves elemental sulfur. A catholyte solution includes alkali metal ions and a catholyte solvent. Applying an electric current oxidizes sulfur in the anolyte compartment, causes alkali metal ions to pass through the alkali ion conductive membrane to the catholyte compartment, and reduces the alkali metal ions in the catholyte compartment. Sulfur is recovered by removing and cooling a portion of the anolyte solution to precipitate solid phase sulfur. Operating the cell at low temperature causes elemental alkali metal to plate onto the cathode. The cathode may be removed to recover the alkali metal in batch mode or configured as a flexible band to continuously loop outside the catholyte compartment to remove the alkali metal. | 05-28-2009 |
20090134842 | Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery Using Alkali Ion Conducting Separator - A nickel-metal hydride storage battery comprising a positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide, a negative electrode containing a hydrogen absorbing alloy, an alkaline electrolyte, and an alkali conducting separator provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The alkali conducting separator may be a solid alkali metal ion super ion conducting material, wherein the alkali metal is Na, K, or Li | 05-28-2009 |
20090189567 | Zinc Anode Battery Using Alkali Ion Conducting Separator - A zinc anode storage battery comprising a first electrode containing zinc or a zinc alloy, a second electrode containing an oxidizing material capable of electrochemical reduction by zinc, an alkaline electrolyte, and a substantially non-porous, alkali-ion conducting separator provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. The alkali conducting separator may be a solid alkali metal ion super ion conducting material, wherein the alkali metal is Na, K, or Li. | 07-30-2009 |
20090196810 | Systems and Methods for On-Site Selective Catalytic Reduction - A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system includes an on-board ammonia generation system that produces nitrogen from air and hydrogen from a source of a hydrogen-containing compound, and generates an ammonia product from the nitrogen and hydrogen to provide the ammonia product into an exhaust from a NO | 08-06-2009 |
20090216204 | AUTO-REPLENISHING, WOUND-DRESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD - Apparatus and methods to treat skin defects include a pump with reservoirs for a pressurization gas and a fluid, the fluid loaded at a factory and sealed or filled at point of use through a valve, septum, or the like. Upon activation, the pump generates a gas introduced into the gas reservoir, a movable wall of which displaces a movable wall of a fluid source, thus dispensing the fluid into the dressing to spread throughout irrespective of orientation of the dressing, maintaining a transport fluid (e.g. carrier) in the dressing and in contact with a skin defect being treated. Delivery may be periodic, constant, programmatically controlled, or manual. A dressing may maintain intimate contact, a transport fluid, and a controllable concentration of active ingredient against a skin defect. | 08-27-2009 |
20090255451 | Apparatus and Method for Delivering Beneficial Agents to Subterranean Locations - An apparatus for delivering a beneficial agent to a subterranean location is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a water collection chamber having a substantially open end. A water-transporting membrane is provided to communicate with the water collection chamber. An extraction chamber receives water through the water-transporting membrane, expanding the extraction chamber. A dispensing chamber, containing a beneficial agent such as fertilizer, is configured to contract upon expanding the extraction chamber. This causes the dispensing chamber to expel the beneficial agent through a subterranean delivery channel, such as a rigid hollow spike. In certain embodiments, a rate adjustment mechanism may control the rate that water is received through the water-transporting membrane, thereby controlling the rate the beneficial agent is expelled from the subterranean delivery channel. | 10-15-2009 |
20090259171 | Transdermal Oxygen-Delivery Apparatus and Method - An apparatus and method for facilitating transdermal oxygen delivery is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a supply source coupled to a delivery device. The supply source may provide a supply of oxygen that may be delivered transdermally through the skin of a patient via the delivery device. In selected embodiments, the delivery device may include a barrier layer to substantially retain the oxygen over a localized area of skin, and a gas-permeable contact layer to deliver the oxygen to the localized area. Finally, a transport enhancement element may increase the oxygen permeability of the localized area. | 10-15-2009 |
20090304775 | Drug-Exuding Orthopedic Implant - An apparatus in accordance with the present invention may include an orthopedic implant having one or more voids integrated into a surface thereof. A beneficial agent may be deposited into each void, and a regulator element may substantially cover an open end of thereof. In this manner, the regulator element may regulate delivery of the beneficial agent through the open end of the voids over a period of time. | 12-10-2009 |
20090326447 | Transdermal Delivery Apparatus and Method - An apparatus and method for applying a beneficial agent to the skin is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including first and second chemical reactants, each being compatible with the skin. The first and second chemical reactants react with one another to generate a beneficial agent and enhance the permeability of the skin (e.g., by generating heat). The beneficial agent may then be applied to the skin while the permeability of the skin is enhanced. In selected embodiments, the first chemical reactant includes one or more metals, or alloys thereof, that are compatible (i.e., not harmful) with the skin. Similarly, in selected embodiments, the second chemical reactant may include water. In certain embodiments, the beneficial agent generated by the first and second chemical reactants includes an antioxidant such as hydrogen. | 12-31-2009 |
20100022993 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING BENEFICIAL LIQUIDS AT STEADY RATE - An apparatus for delivering a beneficial agent is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a water collection chamber. A water-transporting membrane is provided to communicate with the water collection chamber. An extraction chamber receives water through the water-transporting membrane, expanding the extraction chamber. A dispensing chamber, containing a beneficial agent, is configured to contract upon expanding the extraction chamber. This causes the dispensing chamber to expel the beneficial agent through a subterranean delivery channel, such as a rigid hollow spike. In certain embodiments, a rate adjustment mechanism may control the rate that water is received through the water-transporting membrane, thereby controlling the rate the beneficial agent is expelled. The water-transporting membrane has features that repel osmagent from passing through to the water collection chamber. The apparatus features steady rate performance without refreshing the water chamber and low temperature sensitivity. | 01-28-2010 |
20100044241 | Methods for Producing Sodium Hypochlorite with a Three-Compartment Apparatus Containing a Basic Anolyte - An electrochemical method for the production of a chlorine-based oxidant product, such as sodium hypochlorite, is disclosed. The method may potentially be used to produce sodium hypochlorite from sea water or low purity un-softened or NaCl-based salt solutions. The method utilizes alkali cation-conductive ceramic membranes, such as membranes based on NaSICON-type materials, and organic polymer membranes in electrochemical cells to produce sodium hypochlorite. Generally, the electrochemical cell includes three compartments and the first compartment contains an anolyte having a basic pH. | 02-25-2010 |
20100044242 | Methods For Producing Sodium Hypochlorite With a Three-Compartment Apparatus Containing an Acidic Anolyte - An electrochemical method for the production of a chlorine-based oxidant product, such as sodium hypochlorite, is disclosed. The method may potentially be used to produce sodium hypochlorite from sea water or low purity un-softened or NaCl-based salt solutions. The method utilizes alkali cation-conductive ceramic membranes, such as membranes based on NaSICON-type materials, and organic polymer membranes in electrochemical cells to produce sodium hypochlorite. Generally, the electrochemical cell includes three compartments and the first compartment contains an anolyte having an acidic pH. | 02-25-2010 |
20100100063 | Device and method for wound therapy - A wound therapy device is disclosed. The wound therapy device may include a housing for covering at least a portion of a wound and for sealing to a body surface of a patient. The housing may also include a liquid collector for retaining liquid therein and a vacuum connection for coupling to a vacuum source. The vacuum connection may be in gaseous communication with the liquid collector. The vacuum connection may be separated from the liquid collector by a liquid barrier. | 04-22-2010 |
20100106075 | Method for iontophoretic fluid delivery - A method is provided for low cost, accurate, iontophoretic fluid delivery. The method includes providing an electronic circuit coupling a plurality of electrodes, charging a chargeable electromotive cell to a selected potential and/or charge in response to a selected quantity of beneficial agent to be delivered, the chargeable electromotive cell being electronically coupled with the electronic circuit, applying the selected quantity of beneficial agent to at least one electrode, placing the at least one electrode in contact with skin, and delivering the selected quantity of beneficial agent. The method may also include preparing the skin using a skin preparation device in order to enhance the delivery of the beneficial agent. | 04-29-2010 |
20100108780 | LIQUID ATOMIZATION DEVICE AND METHOD - A device and method for atomizing a liquid for delivery to a target zone are presented. The liquid atomization device may include a liquid reservoir to contain a liquid, and a liquid pathway to receive at least a portion of the liquid from the liquid reservoir. The liquid pathway may include one end communicating with the liquid reservoir, and another end communicating with a target zone. Two electrodes may be placed in the liquid pathway to accommodate the liquid therebetween. An AC power source may be connected to each of the electrodes to generate an alternating current through the liquid, thereby atomizing at least a portion of the liquid for delivery to the target zone. | 05-06-2010 |
20100119411 | APPARATUS AND METHOD TO DELIVER A STERILE, FILLED SYRINGE TO A USER - A stand-alone apparatus to deliver a sterile, filled syringe to a user. The syringe dispenser includes a controller to accept input from the user and to convert the input into an electrical control signal. The syringe dispenser also includes an ozone generator coupled to the controller. The ozone generator generates ozone on demand according to the input from the user. The user may input a parameter for a concentration and/or a volume of ozone. Additionally, the syringe dispenser includes a syringe preparation station coupled to the ozone generator. The syringe preparation station sterilizes the syringe with a first amount of the ozone and fills the syringe with a second amount of the ozone. | 05-13-2010 |
20100222770 | FLUID DELIVERY DEVICE WITH A DIFFUSION MEMBRANE FOR FAST RESPONSE TIME - A fluid delivery device can be used to deliver fluid within a living body. The fluid delivery device includes an electrochemical pump, a reservoir, a displaceable member, and a diffuse membrane. The electrochemical pump transports water and includes an electrochemical pump product chamber to retain water transported by the electrochemical pump. The reservoir contains a fluid to be delivered. The displaceable member is positioned between the electrochemical pump product chamber and the reservoir. The displaceable member is responsive to the electrochemical pump transporting water into the electrochemical pump product chamber. The diffuse membrane generates increased pressure within the electrochemical pump product chamber. | 09-02-2010 |
20100307928 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ADMINISTERING A THERAPEUTIC AGENT INTO TISSUE - An apparatus for administering a therapeutic is provided. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a syringe having a barrel and a plunger and having an ozone generator associated therewith. The generator is initiated and a therapeutic gas is accumulated within the barrel, at which point it can be delivered from the barrel into a target site via a needle, thereby delivering therapeutic effects to that target site. | 12-09-2010 |
20100319535 | HIGH-TEMPERATURE, STEAM-SELECTIVE MEMBRANE - 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. | 12-23-2010 |
20110024288 | DECARBOXYLATION CELL FOR PRODUCTION OF COUPLED RADICAL PRODUCTS - A method that produces coupled radical products from biomass. The method involves obtaining a lipid or carboxylic acid material from the biomass. This material may be a carboxylic acid, an ester of a carboxylic acid, a triglyceride of a carboxylic acid, or a metal salt of a carboxylic acid, or any other fatty acid derivative. This lipid material or carboxylic acid material is converted into an alkali metal salt. The alkali metal salt is then used in an anolyte as part of an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell may include an alkali ion conducting membrane (such as a NaSICON membrane). When the cell is operated, the alkali metal salt of the carboxylic acid decarboxylates and forms radicals. Such radicals are then bonded to other radicals, thereby producing a coupled radical product such as a hydrocarbon. The produced hydrocarbon may be, for example, saturated, unsaturated, branched, or unbranched, depending upon the starting material. | 02-03-2011 |
20110027848 | METHOD OF PRODUCING COUPLED RADICAL PRODUCTS FROM BIOMASS - A method that produces coupled radical products from biomass. The method involves obtaining a lipid or carboxylic acid material from the biomass. This material may be a carboxylic acid, an ester of a carboxylic acid, a triglyceride of a carboxylic acid, or a metal salt of a carboxylic acid, or any other fatty acid derivative. This lipid material or carboxylic acid material is converted into an alkali metal salt. The alkali metal salt is then used in an anolyte as part of an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell may include an alkali ion conducting membrane (such as a NaSICON membrane). When the cell is operated, the alkali metal salt of the carboxylic acid decarboxylates and forms radicals. Such radicals are then bonded to other radicals, thereby producing a coupled radical product such as a hydrocarbon. The produced hydrocarbon may be, for example, saturated, unsaturated, branched, or unbranched, depending upon the starting material. | 02-03-2011 |
20110064823 | TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY APPARATUS AND METHOD - An apparatus and method for applying a beneficial agent to the skin is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including first and second chemical reactants, each being compatible with the skin. The first and second chemical reactants react with one another to generate a beneficial agent and enhance the permeability of the skin (e.g., by generating heat). The beneficial agent may then be applied to the skin while the permeability of the skin is enhanced. In selected embodiments, the first chemical reactant includes one or more metals, or alloys thereof, that are compatible (i.e., not harmful) with the skin. Similarly, in selected embodiments, the second chemical reactant may include water. In certain embodiments, the beneficial agent generated by the first and second chemical reactants includes an antioxidant such as hydrogen. | 03-17-2011 |
20110085934 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STERILIZING AND DEODORIZING - An apparatus for sterilizing and/or deodorizing objects is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such an apparatus includes an ozone source to provide ozone, and a hydrogen peroxide source to provide hydrogen peroxide. A mixing element intermixes the ozone and hydrogen peroxide to produce a mixture comprising oxidizing radicals. An applicator applies the mixture to an object before the oxidizing radicals decompose. The oxidizing radicals in the mixture work to oxidize organic substances, thereby interrupting the life cycle of living organisms and/or destroying or neutralizing odors. In selected embodiments, the applicator disperses the mixture into a closed environment, such as a substantially sealed room or enclosure, to sterilize and/or deodorize objects contained therein. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein. | 04-14-2011 |
20110168569 | METHOD OF PRODUCING COUPLED RADICAL PRODUCTS - A method that produces coupled radical products from biomass. The method involves obtaining a lipid or carboxylic acid material from the biomass. This material may be a carboxylic acid, an ester of a carboxylic acid, a triglyceride of a carboxylic acid, or a metal salt of a carboxylic acid, or any other fatty acid derivative. This lipid material or carboxylic acid material is converted into an alkali metal salt. The alkali metal salt is then used in an anolyte as part of an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell may include an alkali ion conducting membrane (such as a NaSICON membrane). When the cell is operated, the alkali metal salt of the carboxylic acid decarboxylates and forms radicals. Such radicals are then bonded to other radicals, thereby producing a coupled radical product such as a hydrocarbon. The produced hydrocarbon may be, for example, saturated, unsaturated, branched, or unbranched, depending upon the starting material. | 07-14-2011 |
20110184389 | OSMOTIC PUMP APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Apparatuses and methods for pumping fluids such as fluid medications are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention provide an osmotic pump fluid delivery apparatus including elements designed to control the fluid delivery rate. Typical embodiments of the invention include an arrangement of elements such as solute reservoirs that can manipulate the solute concentrations within an inner osmotic compartment or compartments of an osmotic pump so as to control fluid delivery from the pump. Other embodiments include sealed electro-osmotic pumps that do not discharge ions into the surroundings or require water from an external source. These embodiments of the invention provide new ways to control fluid delivery in apparatuses that employ osmotic processes to function. | 07-28-2011 |
20110240484 | Production of Alkali Bicarbonate and Alkali Hydroxide From Alkali Carbonate in an Electrolyte Cell. - Alkali bicarbonate is synthesized in an electrolytic cell from alkali carbonate. The electrolytic cell includes an alkali ion conductive membrane positioned between an anolyte compartment configured with an anode and a catholyte compartment configured with a cathode. The alkali conductive membrane selectively transports alkali ions and prevents the transport of anions produced in the catholyte compartment. An aqueous alkali carbonate solution is introduced into the anolyte compartment and electrolyzed at the anode to produce carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen ions which react with alkali carbonate to produce alkali bicarbonate. The alkali bicarbonate is recovered by filtration or other separation techniques. When the catholyte solution includes water, pure alkali hydroxide is produced. When the catholyte solution includes methanol, pure alkali methoxide is produced. | 10-06-2011 |
20110294712 | DISPENSER FOR ON-DEMAND GENERATION OF SANITIZING SOLUTION - A dispenser to generate and dispense a cleaning agent on demand. The dispenser includes a supply chamber, an agent generation cell, and a dispensing actuator. The supply chamber stores an alkali halide compound. The agent generation cell is coupled to the supply chamber and includes a porous ionic conducting membrane to separate ion components of the alkali halide compound. The ion components include alkaline ions and halide ions. The dispensing actuator is coupled to the agent generation cell. The dispensing actuator activates the agent generation cell on-demand to generate and dispense the cleansing agent to a user in response to an interaction between the user and the dispensing actuator. The cleansing agent includes the halide ions from the alkali halide compound and is substantially free of the alkaline ions. | 12-01-2011 |
20120007561 | METHOD OF DISCHARGING A NICKEL-METAL HYDRIDE BATTERY - A method for discharging a nickel-metal hydride storage battery comprising a positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide, a negative electrode containing a hydrogen absorbing alloy, an alkaline electrolyte, and an alkali conducting separator provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The alkali conducting separator may be a solid alkali metal ion super ion conducting material, wherein the alkali metal is Na, K, or Li. | 01-12-2012 |
20120010579 | ELECTROCHEMICAL WOUND THERAPY - A method for wound-healing is disclosed where the method comprises providing a housing forming a cavity, the cavity comprising at least one opening configured to encompass at least a portion of a wound region of a patient. The method includes sealing a perimeter of the at least one opening to a surface of the patient proximate the wound region and absorbing a wound fluid in the cavity. A chamber is provided in communication with the cavity, and would fluid is electrochemically removed from the cavity into the chamber. | 01-12-2012 |
20120013309 | METHOD FOR CHARGING A NICKEL-METAL HYDRIDE BATTERY - A method for charging a nickel-metal hydride storage battery comprising a positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide, a negative electrode containing a hydrogen absorbing alloy, an alkaline electrolyte, and an alkali conducting separator provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The alkali conducting separator may be a solid alkali metal ion super ion conducting material, wherein the alkali metal is Na, K, or Li. | 01-19-2012 |
20120022438 | APPARATUS FOR ADMINISTERING A THERAPEUTIC AGENT INTO TISSUE USING A NEEDLE AS THE MATERIAL TREATMENT MODUEL - An apparatus for administering a therapeutic is provided. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a syringe having a barrel and a plunger and having a material treatment module associated with a needle. The material treatment module may be an ozone generator that is initiated such that material containing ozone accumulates within the needle. The material can then be delivered from the barrel into a target site via the needle, thereby delivering therapeutic effects to that target site. | 01-26-2012 |
20120037242 | APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING BENEFICIAL LIQUIDS AT STEADY RATE - An apparatus for delivering a beneficial agent is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a water collection chamber. A water-transporting membrane is provided to communicate with the water collection chamber. An extraction chamber receives water through the water-transporting membrane, expanding the extraction chamber. A dispensing chamber, containing a beneficial agent, is configured to contract upon expanding the extraction chamber. This causes the dispensing chamber to expel the beneficial agent through a subterranean delivery channel, such as a rigid hollow spike. In certain embodiments, a rate adjustment mechanism may control the rate that water is received through the water-transporting membrane, thereby controlling the rate the beneficial agent is expelled. The water-transporting membrane has features that repel osmagent from passing through to the water collection chamber. The apparatus features steady rate performance without refreshing the water chamber and low temperature sensitivity. | 02-16-2012 |
20120037658 | METHOD FOR DELIVERING BENEFICIAL LIQUIDS AT STEADY RATE - A method for delivering a beneficial agent is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a water collection chamber. A water-transporting membrane is provided to communicate with the water collection chamber. An extraction chamber receives water through the water-transporting membrane, expanding the extraction chamber. A dispensing chamber, containing a beneficial agent, is configured to contract upon expanding the extraction chamber. This causes the dispensing chamber to expel the beneficial agent through a subterranean delivery channel, such as a rigid hollow spike. In certain embodiments, a rate adjustment mechanism may control the rate that water is received through the water-transporting membrane, thereby controlling the rate the beneficial agent is expelled. The water-transporting membrane has features that repel osmagent from passing through to the water collection chamber. The method features steady rate performance without refreshing the water chamber and low temperature sensitivity. | 02-16-2012 |
20120043219 | ELECTROCHEMICAL PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SYNTHESIS GAS USING ATMOSPHERIC AIR AND WATER - A process is provided for synthesizing synthesis gas from carbon dioxide obtained from atmospheric air or other available carbon dioxide source and water using a sodium-conducting electrochemical cell. Synthesis gas is also produced by the coelectrolysis of carbon dioxide and steam in a solid oxide fuel cell or solid oxide electrolytic cell. The synthesis gas produced may then be further processed and eventually converted into a liquid fuel suitable for transportation or other applications. | 02-23-2012 |
20120085658 | ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING AN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL WITH AN ACIDIC ANOLYTE - An electrochemical cell having a cation-conductive ceramic membrane and an acidic anolyte. Generally, the cell includes a catholyte compartment and an anolyte compartment that are separated by a cation-conductive membrane. While the catholyte compartment houses a primary cathode, the anolyte compartment houses an anode and a secondary cathode. In some cases, a current is passed through the electrodes to cause the secondary cathode to evolve hydrogen gas. In other cases, a current is passed between the electrodes to cause the secondary cathode to evolve hydroxyl ions and hydrogen gas. In still other cases, hydrogen peroxide is channeled between the secondary cathode and the membrane to form hydroxyl ions. In yet other cases, the cell includes a diffusion membrane disposed between the secondary cathode and the anode. In each of the aforementioned cases, the cell functions to maintain the pH of a fluid contacting the membrane at an acceptably high level. | 04-12-2012 |
20120126752 | NICKEL-METAL HYDRIDE/HYDROGEN HYBRID BATTERY USING ALKALI ION CONDUCTING SEPARATOR - A nickel-metal hydride (hydrogen) hybrid storage battery comprising a positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide, a combination negative electrode containing a hydrogen storage alloy electrode and a reversible hydrogen electrode, an alkaline electrolyte, and an alkali conducting separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The alkali conducting separator may be a substantially non-porous ion conducting material wherein the alkali conducted is Na, K, or Li. A method of charging and discharging such a hybrid battery is also disclosed. | 05-24-2012 |
20120145742 | GAS GENERATION DISPENSER METHOD FOR ON-DEMAND FLUID DELIVERY - A method of dispensing a fluid comprising generating a gas from a liquid, directing the gas to an expandable gas chamber to expand a volume of the expandable gas chamber, reducing a volume of a fluid chamber in response to expansion of the expandable gas chamber to dispense an amount of the fluid from the fluid chamber, and removing the gas from the expandable gas chamber to collapse the expandable gas chamber. | 06-14-2012 |
20120150173 | METHOD FOR IN SITU TREATMENT OF A TISSUE - A method for dehydrating, electro-oxidizing, or electro-reducing a target tissue is described. The method utilizes an electrochemical probe or other device to deliver one or more beneficial agents into the target tissue. Water from the target tissue provides a precursor that may be split by electrolysis to generate the beneficial agent. Alternatively, water is provided from an external source to generate the beneficial agent. The beneficial agent facilitates in situ oxidation and/or reduction of a material within the tissue. One type of beneficial agent is ozone. | 06-14-2012 |
20120160930 | AIR TREATMENT DEVICE AND METHOD - An air treatment device includes a container containing a mixture. The container allows the mixture to be selectively exposed to ambient air. In one embodiment, the mixture contains at least the following: (1) a heat-generating material that generates heat when exposed to ambient air; and (2) a volatile substance in intimate contact with the heat-generating material and inert relative to the heat-generating material, wherein the volatile substance vaporizes in the presence of heat. In another embodiment, the mixture contains at least the following: (1) a gas-generating material that produces gas when exposed to ambient air; and (2) a volatile substance in intimate contact with the gas-generating material and inert relative to the gas-generating material, wherein the volatile substance vaporizes in the presence of the generated gas. Corresponding methods are also disclosed herein. | 06-28-2012 |
20120241328 | AMMONIA SYNTHESIS USING LITHIUM ION CONDUCTIVE MEMBRANE - Ammonia is synthesized using electrochemical and non-electrochemical reactions. The electrochemical reactions occur in an electrolytic cell having a lithium ion conductive membrane that divides the electrochemical cell into an anolyte compartment and a catholyte compartment. The catholyte compartment includes a porous cathode closely associated with the lithium ion conductive membrane. The overall electrochemical reaction is: 6LiOH+N | 09-27-2012 |
20120267389 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING BENEFICIAL LIQUIDS AT A CONSISTENT RATE - An apparatus for providing controlled delivery of a beneficial agent is disclosed. In one embodiment, such an apparatus includes a water chamber and a filter to produce filtered water by removing impurities from water introduced into the water chamber. A water-transporting membrane transports filtered water from the water chamber to an extraction chamber, thereby expanding the extraction chamber. The extraction chamber contains an osmagent that provides the driving force to pull the filtered water through the water-transporting membrane. As the extraction chamber expands, a dispensing chamber containing a beneficial agent contracts. This causes the beneficial agent to be expelled through a port in communication with the dispensing chamber. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 10-25-2012 |
20120273365 | ELECTROCHEMICAL CONVERSION OF ALKALI SULFATE INTO USEFUL CHEMICAL PRODUCTS - Electrochemical processes to convert alkali sulfates into useful chemical products, such as syngas, alkali hydroxide, and sulfur are disclosed. An alkali sulfate is reacted with carbon to form carbon monoxide and alkali sulfide. In one embodiment, the alkali sulfide is dissolved in water and subjected to electrochemical reaction to form alkali hydroxide, hydrogen, and sulfur. In another embodiment, the alkali sulfide is reacted with iodine to form alkali iodide sulfur in a non-aqueous solvent, such as methyl alcohol. The alkali iodide is electrochemically reacted to form alkali hydroxide, hydrogen, and iodine. The iodine may be recycled to react with additional alkali sulfide. The hydrogen and carbon monoxide from both embodiments may be combined to form syngas. The alkali hydroxide from both embodiments may be recovered as a useful industrial chemical. | 11-01-2012 |
20120305667 | DEVICE FOR DELIVERY OF VOLATILE LIQUIDS TO GASEOUS ENVIRONMENT UTILIZING A GAS GENERATING CELL - A delivery apparatus includes a volatile agent source, a controller, and an emanator material. The volatile agent source stores a volume of a volatile agent such as a fragrance. The volatile agent source includes an outlet for delivery of the volatile agent from the volatile agent source. The controller controls a delivery rate of the volatile agent from the volatile agent source. The emanator material is disposed at approximately the outlet of the volatile agent source. The emanator material absorbs at least a portion of the volatile agent and maintains the volatile agent until the volatile agent evaporates into an ambient environment. | 12-06-2012 |
20120316538 | Osmotic Wound Vacuum System - A negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system creates and maintains a sub-atmospheric pressure within a sealed wound environment for the purpose of healing wounds. The NPWT system includes a wound interface material, a housing, an osmotic membrane, and an evacuation port. The wound interface material contacts a wound region and absorbs exudate from the wound region. The housing defines a cavity in an interior space of the housing. The osmotic membrane is coupled to the wound interface material to transfer a fluid of the exudate from the wound interface material to the cavity of the housing. The evacuation port is also coupled to the wound interface material to facilitate passage of a gas out of the wound interface material to create a negative pressure at the wound region. | 12-13-2012 |
20130001095 | METHOD OF PRODUCING COUPLED RADICAL PRODUCTS - A method that produces coupled radical products. The method involves obtaining a sodium salt of a carboxylic acid. The alkali metal salt is then used in an anolyte as part of an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell may include an alkali ion conducting membrane (such as a NaSICON membrane) that separates an anolyte compartment housing the anolyte from a catholyte compartment housing a catholyte. The anolyte includes a first solvent or mixture of solvents and a quantity of the sodium salt of the carboxylic acid. When the cell is operated, the alkali metal salt of the carboxylic acid decarboxylates and forms radicals. Such radicals are then bonded to other radicals, thereby producing a coupled radical product such as a hydrocarbon. | 01-03-2013 |
20130026194 | GAS GENERATION DISPENSER APPARATUS FOR ON-DEMAND FLUID DELIVERY - An on-demand fluid dispenser to dispense fluid in response to gas generation by a gas cell. The on-demand fluid dispenser includes an expandable gas chamber, a fluid chamber, and an on-demand gas cell. The expandable gas chamber includes a moveable plunger forming a wall of the expandable gas chamber. The moveable plunger also forms a wall of the fluid chamber. The on-demand gas cell is configured to generate the gas on demand. The on-demand gas cell is also configured to direct the gas to the expandable gas chamber to expand the expandable gas chamber. Expansion of the expandable gas chamber moves the moveable plunger to reduce a volume of the fluid chamber and to dispense an amount of fluid from the fluid chamber. | 01-31-2013 |
20130183546 | COMPOSITE ALKALI ION CONDUCTIVE SOLID ELECTROLYTE - An electrochemical cell having a composite alkali ion-conductive electrolyte membrane. Generally, the cell includes a catholyte compartment and an anolyte compartment that are separated by the composite alkali ion-conductive electrolyte membrane. The composite electrolyte membrane includes a layer of alkali ion-conductive material and one or more layers of alkali intercalation compound which is chemically stable upon exposure to a chemically reactive anolyte solution or catholyte solution thereby protecting the layer of alkali ion-conductive material from unwanted chemical reaction. The layer of alkali intercalation compound conducts alkali ions. The cell may operate and protect the alkali ion-conductive material under conditions that would be adverse to the material if the intercalation compound were not present. The composite membrane may include a cation conductor layer having additional capability to protect the composite electrolyte membrane from adverse conditions. | 07-18-2013 |
20130220801 | APPARATUS ADMINISTERING A THERAPEUTIC AGENT INTO TISSUE - An apparatus for administering a therapeutic is provided. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes an ozone generator for producing therapeutic oxygen-ozone mixture. The generator includes an electrochemical cell configured to communicate with an accumulator having an anode, a cathode and a power supply in electrical communication with the anode and the cathode. The power supply is configured to create an electric current between the anode and the cathode such that water in the electrochemical cell electrolyzes to produce ozone and oxygen at the anode. | 08-29-2013 |
20130284607 | METHOD OF PRODUCING COUPLED RADICAL PRODUCTS - A method that produces coupled radical products from biomass. The method involves obtaining a lipid or carboxylic acid material from the biomass. This material may be a carboxylic acid, an ester of a carboxylic acid, a triglyceride of a carboxylic acid, or a metal salt of a carboxylic acid, or any other fatty acid derivative. This lipid material or carboxylic acid material is converted into an alkali metal salt. The alkali metal salt is then used in an anolyte as part of an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell may include an alkali ion conducting membrane (such as a NaSICON membrane). When the cell is operated, the alkali metal salt of the carboxylic acid decarboxylates and forms radicals. Such radicals are then bonded to other radicals, thereby producing a coupled radical product such as a hydrocarbon. The produced hydrocarbon may be, for example, saturated, unsaturated, branched, or unbranched, depending upon the starting material. | 10-31-2013 |
20130296768 | HYDROGEN SUIT FOR SKIN EXPOSURE - A system facilitates creating a controlled hydrogen rich environment around a patient. The system includes an enclosure, at least one opening, and a hydrogen source. The enclosure forms an internal space to at least partially enclose a body part of the patient. The opening is defined within the enclosure to allow a portion of the body part of the patient to extend out of the internal space of the enclosure. The opening is further configured to form a seal around the body part that extends out of the internal space of the enclosure. The hydrogen source delivers hydrogen gas into the internal space of the enclosure. | 11-07-2013 |
20140018753 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR WOUND THERAPY - A wound therapy device is disclosed. The wound therapy device may include a housing for covering at least a portion of a wound and for sealing to a body surface of a patient. The housing may also include a liquid collector for retaining liquid therein and a vacuum connection for coupling to a vacuum source. The vacuum connection may be in gaseous communication with the liquid collector. The vacuum connection may be separated from the liquid collector by a liquid barrier. | 01-16-2014 |
20140057174 | GAS CELL DRIVEN ORIENTATION INDEPENDENT DELIVERY DEVICE - An orientation independent delivery device. The delivery device includes a gas chamber, a delivery chamber, a gas cell, and a delivery aperture. The gas chamber includes a gas-side rigid portion and a gas-side flexible barrier. The gas-side flexible barrier is sealed to the gas-side rigid portion. The delivery chamber includes a delivery-side rigid portion and a delivery-side flexible barrier. The delivery-side flexible barrier is sealed to the delivery-side rigid portion and is oriented adjacent to the gas-side flexible barrier. The gas cell is coupled to the gas-side rigid portion of the gas chamber. The gas cell increases a gas pressure within the gas chamber to expand the gas-side flexible barrier. Expansion of the gas-side flexible barrier applies a compressive force to the delivery-side flexible barrier allowing a delivery material to escape from the delivery chamber. | 02-27-2014 |
20140154766 | Method of Producing Coupled Radical Products from Biomass - A method that produces coupled radical products from biomass. The method involves obtaining a lipid or carboxylic acid material from the biomass. This material may be a carboxylic acid, an ester of a carboxylic acid, a triglyceride of a carboxylic acid, or a metal salt of a carboxylic acid, or any other fatty acid derivative. This lipid material or carboxylic acid material is converted into an alkali metal salt. The alkali metal salt is then used in an anolyte as part of an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell may include an alkali ion conducting membrane (such as a NaSICON membrane). When the cell is operated, the alkali metal salt of the carboxylic acid decarboxylates and forms radicals. Such radicals are then bonded to other radicals, thereby producing a coupled radical product such as a hydrocarbon. The produced hydrocarbon may be, for example, saturated, unsaturated, branched, or unbranched, depending upon the starting material. | 06-05-2014 |
20140190820 | REUSABLE APPARATUS WITH SPARINGLY SOLUBLE SOLID FOR CLEANING AND/OR DISINFECTING - An apparatus for cleaning and/or disinfecting a surface or object is disclosed. In one embodiment, such an apparatus includes a container that is refillable with water. A sparingly soluble solid is provided in the container and is positioned to contact the water. The sparingly soluble solid slightly dissolves in the water to form a dilute solution that acts as a cleaning and/or disinfecting solution. The sparingly soluble solid is provided in a quantity sufficient to last several refills of the container. | 07-10-2014 |
20140288484 | APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR ADMINISTERING A THERAPEUTIC AGENT INTO TISSUE - An apparatus for administering a therapeutic is provided. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a syringe having a barrel and a plunger and having an ozone generator associated therewith. The generator is initiated and a therapeutic gas is accumulated within the barrel, at which point it can be delivered from the barrel into a target site via a needle, thereby delivering therapeutic effects to that target site. | 09-25-2014 |
20140296774 | AUTO-REPLENISHING, WOUND-DRESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD - Apparatus and methods to treat skin defects include a pump with reservoirs for a pressurization gas and a fluid. Upon activation, the pump generates a gas introduced into the gas reservoir, a movable wall of which displaces a movable wall of a fluid source, thus dispensing the fluid into the dressing to spread throughout irrespective of orientation of the dressing, maintaining a transport fluid (e.g. carrier) in the dressing and in contact with a skin defect being treated. The dressing may have a distribution network, and multiple members, dispensing the fluid into the dressing and in contact with a skin defect being treated. | 10-02-2014 |
20150061570 | High Temperature Sodium Battery with High Energy Efficiency - A molten sodium secondary cell charges at a high temperature and discharges at a relatively lower temperature. The cell includes a sodium anode and a cathode. A sodium ion conductive solid membrane separates the cathode from the sodium anode and selectively transports sodium ions. A solar energy source includes a photovoltaic system to provide an electric charging potential to the sodium anode and the cathode and a solar thermal concentrator to provide heat to the cathode and catholyte composition to cause the molten sodium secondary cell to charge at a temperature in the range from about 300 to 800° C. The cell has a charge temperature and a charge voltage and a discharge temperature and a discharge voltage. The charge temperature is substantially higher than the discharge temperature, and the charge voltage is lower than the discharge voltage. | 03-05-2015 |
20150065772 | Chemical Process for Hydrogen Separation - A process is disclosed for removing hydrogen gas that is produced during a DHA (dehydroaromatization) reaction that is used to produce benzene from methane. The hydrogen gas is reacted with a quantity of an alkali metal to produce an alkali metal hydride, which may be separated out from the benzene and any unreacted methane. This removal of the hydrogen gas “drives” the reaction to produce more benzene, thereby increasing the theoretical yield of the DHA reaction. | 03-05-2015 |
20150078988 | Hydrogen Separation for Hydrocarbon Reforming Gas - A process involves separating hydrogen that is produced from a reformer. Specifically, the products, which include hydrogen, CO | 03-19-2015 |
20150086826 | Intermediate Temperature Sodium-Metal Halide Battery - An intermediate temperature molten sodium-metal halide rechargeable battery utilizes a molten eutectic mixture of sodium haloaluminate salts having a relatively low melting point that enables the battery to operate at substantially lower temperature compared to the traditional ZEBRA battery system and utilize a highly conductive NaSICON solid electrolyte membrane. The positive electrode comprises a mixture of NaX and MX, where X is a halogen selected from Cl, Br and I and M is a metal selected Ni, Fe, and Zn. The positive electrode is disposed in a mixed molten salt positive electrolyte comprising at least two salts that can be represented by the formula NaAlX′ | 03-26-2015 |