Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080257412 | Fluid Delivery Device With Flow Rate Control - A device for delivering a fluid to a target site is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a pump, a flow modulator, a flow meter, and a controller. The pump may generate a fluid stream characterized by a flow rate. The flow modulator may smooth out irregularities in the flow rate, thereby generating a second fluid stream having a second flow rate that is substantially more uniform than the first flow rate. The flow meter may measure the flow rate of the second fluid stream. The controller may then compare the flow rate of the second fluid stream to a target flow rate, and adjust the pump speed to substantially align the second flow rate with the target flow rate. | 10-23-2008 |
20080268327 | Advanced Metal-Air Battery Having a Ceramic Membrane Electrolyte Background of the Invention - A metal-air battery is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a cathode to reduce oxygen molecules and an alkali-metal-containing anode to oxidize the alkali metal (e.g., Li, Na, and K) contained therein to produce alkali-metal ions. An aqueous catholyte is placed in ionic communication with the cathode to store reaction products generated by reacting the alkali-metal ions with the oxygen containing anions. These reaction products are stored as solutes dissolved in the aqueous catholyte. An ion-selective membrane is interposed between the alkali-metal containing anode and the aqueous catholyte. The ion-selective membrane is designed to be conductive to the alkali-metal ions while being impermeable to the aqueous catholyte. | 10-30-2008 |
20090061288 | Lithium-sulfur battery with a substantially non-pourous membrane and enhanced cathode utilization - A lithium-sulfur battery is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including an anode containing lithium and a cathode comprising elemental sulfur. The cathode may include at least one solvent selected to at least partially dissolve the elemental sulfur and Li2S | 03-05-2009 |
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 |
20090136830 | Substantially Solid, Flexible Electrolyte For Alkili-Metal-Ion Batteries - An alkali-metal-ion battery is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including an anode containing an alkali metal, a cathode, and an electrolyte separator for conducting alkali metal ions between the anode and the cathode. In selected embodiments, the electrolyte separator includes a first phase comprising poly(alkylene oxide) and an alkali-metal salt in a molar ratio of less than 10:1. The electrolyte separator may further include a second phase comprising ionically conductive particles that are conductive to the alkali metal ions. These ionically conductive particles may include ionically conductive ceramic particles, glass particles, glass-ceramic particles, or mixtures thereof. | 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20100068629 | ALKALI METAL SEAWATER BATTERY - A galvanic cell is disclosed. Generally, the cell includes an alkali metal anode, which electrochemcially oxidizes to release alkali metal ions, and a cathode, which is configured to be exposed to an electrolyte solution. A water-impermeable, alkali-ion-conductive ceramic membrane separates the anode from the cathode. Moreover, an alkali-ion-permeable anode current collector is placed in electrical communication with the anode. In some cases, to keep the anode in contact with the current collector as the cell functions and as the anode is depleted, the cell includes a biasing member that urges the anode against the current collector. To produce electricity, the galvanic cell is exposed to an aqueous electrolyte solution, such as seawater, brine, saltwater, etc. | 03-18-2010 |
20100089762 | Apparatus and Method For Reducing an Alkali Metal Electrochemically at a Temperature Below the Metal's Melting Temperature - A cell having an anode compartment and a cathode compartment is used to electrolyze an alkali metal polysulfide into an alkali metal. The cell includes an anode, wherein at least part of the anode is housed in the anode compartment. The cell also includes a quantity of anolyte housed within the anode compartment, the anolyte comprising an alkali metal polysulfide and a solvent. The cell includes a cathode, wherein at least part of the cathode is housed in the cathode compartment. A quantity of catholyte is housed within the cathode compartment. The cell operates at a temperature below the melting temperature of the alkali metal. | 04-15-2010 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20100239893 | SODIUM-SULFUR BATTERY WITH A SUBSTANTIALLY NON-POROUS MEMBRANE AND ENHANCED CATHODE UTILIZATION - A sodium-sulfur battery is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including an anode containing sodium and a cathode comprising elemental sulfur. The cathode may include at least one solvent selected to at least partially dissolve the elemental sulfur and Na | 09-23-2010 |
20100297537 | ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL COMPRISING IONICALLY CONDUCTIVE MEMBRANE AND POROUS MULTIPHASE ELECTRODE - An electrochemical cell in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a first electrode containing a first phase intermixed with a second phase and a network of interconnected pores. The first phase contains a ceramic material and the second phase contains an electrically conductive material providing an electrically contiguous path through the first electrode. The electrochemical cell further includes a second electrode containing an alkali metal. A substantially non-porous alkali-metal-ion-selective ceramic membrane, such as a dense Nasicon, Lisicon, Li β″-alumina, or Na β″-alumina membrane, is interposed between the first and second electrodes. | 11-25-2010 |
20100318120 | HEMOSTATIC MATERIAL AND DELIVERY DEVICE - A hemostatic material, production method, delivery method, and apparatus are disclosed. The hemostatic material includes a peptide that preferentially selects exposed endothelial cells for bonding. The peptide is conjugated with a hemostatic agent (e.g., chitosan) to produce a peptide conjugated hemostatic agent. The peptide conjugated hemostatic agent is suspended in a flowable delivery medium that delivers the material to the endothelial cells to stop or reduce bleeding. An apparatus for delivering the hemostatic material includes a conformable covering for sealing off and maintaining an internal pressure in an injury cavity, a delivery port for delivering hemostatic material into the cavity, and a check valve that opens when a predetermined pressure is reached. Methods for producing the hemostatic material and using the apparatus are also disclosed herein. | 12-16-2010 |
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 |
20110100874 | UPGRADING OF PETROLEUM OIL FEEDSTOCKS USING ALKALI METALS AND HYDROCARBONS - A method of upgrading an oil feedstock by removing heteroatoms and/or one or more heavy metals from the oil feedstock composition. This method reacts the oil feedstock with an alkali metal and an upgradant hydrocarbon. The alkali metal reacts with a portion of the heteroatoms and/or one or more heavy metals to form an inorganic phase separable from the organic oil feedstock material. The upgradant hydrocarbon bonds to the oil feedstock material and increases the number of carbon atoms in the product. This increase in the number of carbon atoms of the product increases the energy value of the resulting oil feedstock. | 05-05-2011 |
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 |
20110303760 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLABLY RELEASING A SUBSTANCE - An apparatus for controllably releasing a substance is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such an apparatus includes a chamber to store a non-gaseous fluid. An outlet communicates with a bottom of the chamber to dispense the non-gaseous fluid. An inlet communicates with a top of the chamber to enable gas to flow into the chamber. To regulate the flow of non-gaseous fluid through the outlet, a regulator element is coupled to the inlet to regulate the flow of gas into the chamber. In certain embodiments, to provide more consistent release rates, the chamber includes a short wide portion situated above a relatively long narrow portion. Such a configuration generates more consistent head pressure and thus more consistent release rates for the non-gaseous fluid. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein. | 12-15-2011 |
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 |
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 |
20120031497 | METHOD TO DELIVER A FLUID WITH FLOW RATE CONTROL - A method for delivering a fluid to a target site is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including generating a first fluid stream having a first flow rate, introducing the first fluid stream into a flow modulator, and permitting a second fluid stream having a second flow rate that is substantially more uniform than the first flow rate to exit the flow modulator. The flow modulator may smooth out irregularities in the flow rate, thereby generating the second fluid steam having a second flow rate that is substantially more uniform than the first flow rate. | 02-09-2012 |
20120031503 | FLUID DELIVERY DEVICE WITH FLOW RATE CONTROL - A device for delivering a fluid to a target site is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a pump, a flow modulator, a flow meter, and a controller. The pump may generate a fluid stream characterized by a flow rate. The flow modulator may smooth out irregularities in the flow rate, thereby generating a second fluid stream having a second flow rate that is substantially more uniform than the first flow rate. The flow meter may measure the flow rate of the second fluid stream. The controller may then compare the flow rate of the second fluid stream to a target flow rate, and adjust the pump speed to substantially align the second flow rate with the target flow rate. | 02-09-2012 |
20120031513 | FLUID DELIVERY DEVICE WITH FLOW RATE CONTROL - A device for delivering a fluid to a target site is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including means for generating a first fluid stream having a first flow rate; means for smoothing out irregularities in the first flow rate, and thereby generate a second fluid stream having a second flow rate substantially more uniform than the first flow rate; means for measuring the second flow rate; means for comparing the second flow rate to a target flow rate; and means for substantially aligning the second flow rate with the target flow rate. | 02-09-2012 |
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 |
20120040274 | ALKALI METAL AQUEOUS BATTERY - A battery cell is described that has an anode made of an alkali metal or alkali metal alloy, an alkali metal conductive membrane, and a cathode compartment that houses a hydrogen evolving cathode and a catholyte. The catholyte has dissolved salt comprising cations of the alkali metal. The battery also includes a zone where hydrogen may vent from the catholyte and a zone where water may transport into the catholyte. The zone where water may transport into the catholyte restricts the transport of ions. The battery may be operated (1) in freshwater where there is low ion-conductivity and (2) in seawater where there is a quantity of cations (such as sodium ions) that are incompatible with the alkali metal conductive membrane. The battery is designed such that the alkali metal conductive membrane is protected from cations that operate to foul the alkali metal conductive membrane. | 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 |
20120103826 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR RECOVERY OR EXTRACTION OF LITHIUM - A method for recovering and extracting lithium from a feed liquid that may have a mixture of lithium and non-lithium salts present in the feed liquid. Salts of varying solubility are precipitated out of the feed liquid using water evaporation or other techniques. Pure lithium hydroxide is obtained using electrolysis or electro-dialysis processes in combination with a lithium ion selective inorganic membrane such as LiSICON. The negative effect of sodium and potassium on the lithium ion selective inorganic membrane is reduced by reversing the polarity of the current placed across the membrane. | 05-03-2012 |
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 |
20120141856 | MODERATE TEMPERATURE SODIUM BATTERY - A rechargeable galvanic cell that has a negative electrode material made of a molten alkali metal (such as sodium or lithium). The galvanic cell also includes a positive electrode active material that may be sulfur or iodine. The positive electrode active material may be used in conjunction with a polar solvent. An ion-conductive separator is disposed between the polar solvent and the negative electrode material. The positive electrode active material has a specific gravity that is greater than the specific gravity of the polar solvent. Thus, the positive electrode active material is proximate the bottom of the positive electrode compartment while the polar solvent is above the positive electrode active material. The cell is designed to be operated at temperatures above the melting point of the alkali metal, but at temperatures that are lower than about 250° C. | 06-07-2012 |
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 |
20120235644 | ALKALI METAL ION BATTERY USING ALKALI METAL CONDUCTIVE CERAMIC SEPARATOR - A battery having a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is made of metal and the second electrode is made of an oxidized material that is capable of being electrochemically reduced by the metal of the first electrode. An alkali-ion conductive, substantially non-porous separator is disposed between the first and second electrode. A first electrolyte contacts the first electrode. The first electrolyte includes a solvent which is non-reactive with the metal, and a salt bearing an alkali ion that may be conducted through the separator, wherein the salt is at least partially soluble in the solvent. A second electrolyte is also used. The second electrolyte contacts the second electrode. The second electrolyte at least partially dissolves the salt that forms upon the oxidized material being electrochemically reduced. | 09-20-2012 |
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 |
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 |
20120310155 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DERMAL DELIVERY - A dermal delivery apparatus includes a pad having a surface to interface with an outer layer of skin. The dermal delivery apparatus also includes a micro structure coupled to the pad and configured to penetrate and deliver an agent beneath the outer layer of skin. The dermal delivery device also includes a base at least partially surrounding the micro structure. The base is coupled to the pad and protrudes away from the surface of the pad to apply surface tension to the skin. | 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 |
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 |
20130043160 | Upgrading Platform Using Alkali Metals - A process for removing sulfur, nitrogen or metals from an oil feedstock (such as heavy oil, bitumen, shale oil, etc.) The method involves reacting the oil feedstock with an alkali metal and a radical capping substance. The alkali metal reacts with the metal, sulfur or nitrogen content to form one or more inorganic products and the radical capping substance reacts with the carbon and hydrogen content to form a hydrocarbon phase. The inorganic products may then be separated out from the hydrocarbon phase. | 02-21-2013 |
20130140217 | PROCESS FOR DESULFURIZING PETROLEUM FEEDSTOCKS - A process for upgrading an oil feedstock includes reacting the oil feedstock with a quantity of an alkali metal, wherein the reaction produces solid materials and liquid materials. The solid materials are separated from the liquid materials. The solid materials may be washed and heat treated by heating the materials to a temperature above 400° C. The heat treating occurs in an atmosphere that has low oxygen and water content. Once heat treated, the solid materials are added to a solution comprising a polar solvent, where sulfide, hydrogen sulfide or polysulfide anions dissolve. The solution comprising polar solvent is then added to an electrolytic cell, which during operation, produces alkali metal and sulfur. | 06-06-2013 |
20130153469 | METHOD OF PREVENTING CORROSION OF OIL PIPELINES, STORAGE STRUCTURES AND PIPING - Corrosion of ferrous material such as steel or stainless steel is a problem in oil pipelines, oil storage tanks, and the piping and process equipment at oil refineries, and this corrosion may be reduced by reducing the TAN value of the oil feedstock that is used/transported within the ferrous material. This TAN value may be reduced by reacting the oil feedstock with an alkali metal, thereby forming a de-acidified alkali metal. The de-acidified alkali metal has a TAN value of less than or equal to 1 mgKOH/g. | 06-20-2013 |
20130244085 | BATTERY WITH NON-POROUS ALKALI METAL ION CONDUCTIVE HONEYCOMB STRUCTURE SEPARATOR - The present invention provides a rechargeable battery. The battery includes a honeycomb separator which defines therein a plurality of cells separated from adjacent cells by thin, non-porous cell walls of a substantially non-porous, alkali ion conductive ceramic membrane material. The battery includes a plurality of positive electrodes, each positive electrode being disposed in a respective positive electrode cell of the honeycomb separator. Each positive electrode cell contains a positive electrode electrochemical material that undergoes electrochemical reduction during battery discharge and electrochemical oxidation during battery charge. Negative electrodes are disposed in respective negative electrode cells of the honeycomb separator. Each negative electrode cell contains a negative electrode electrochemical material that undergoes electrochemical oxidation during battery discharge and electrochemical reduction during battery charge. The positive and negative electrodes are disposed in the cells of the honeycomb separator in a checkerboard pattern. | 09-19-2013 |
20140014558 | Integrated Oil Production and Upgrading Using Molten Alkali Metal - A method that combines the oil retorting process (or other process needed to obtain/extract heavy oil or bitumen) with the process for upgrading these materials using sodium or other alkali metals. Specifically, the shale gas or other gases that are obtained from the retorting/extraction process may be introduced into the upgrading reactor and used to upgrade the oil feedstock. Also, the solid materials obtained from the reactor may be used as a fuel source, thereby providing the heat necessary for the retorting/extraction process. Other forms of integration are also disclosed. | 01-16-2014 |
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 |
20140138284 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR UPGRADING PETROLEUM FEEDSTOCKS AND PETROLEUM REFINERY STREAMS USING AN ALKALI METAL CONDUCTIVE MEMBRANE - A reactor has two chambers, namely an oil feedstock chamber and a source chamber. An ion separator separates the oil feedstock chamber from the source chamber, wherein the ion separator allows alkali metal ions to pass from the source chamber, through the ion separator, and into the oil feedstock chamber. A cathode is at least partially housed within the oil feedstock chamber and an anode is at least partially housed within the source chamber. A quantity of an oil feedstock is within the oil feedstock chamber, the oil feedstock comprising at least one carbon atom and a heteroatom and/or one or more heavy metals, the oil feedstock further comprising naphthenic acid. When the alkali metal ion enters the oil feedstock chamber, the alkali metal reacts with the heteroatom, the heavy metals and/or the naphthenic acid, wherein the reaction with the alkali metal forms inorganic products. | 05-22-2014 |
20140197040 | PROCESS FOR RECOVERING ALKALI METALS AND SULFUR FROM ALKALI METAL SULFIDES AND POLYSULFIDES - Alkali metals and sulfur may be recovered from alkali monosulfide and polysulfides in an electrolytic process that utilizes an electrolytic cell having an alkali ion conductive membrane. An anolyte solution includes an alkali monosulfide, an alkali polysulfide, or a mixture thereof and a solvent that dissolves elemental sulfur. A catholyte includes molten alkali metal. Applying an electric current oxidizes sulfide and polysulfide 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. Liquid sulfur separates from the anolyte solution and may be recovered. The electrolytic cell is operated at a temperature where the formed alkali metal and sulfur are molten. | 07-17-2014 |
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 |
20140311949 | Upgrading Platform Using Alkali Metals - A method for removing sulfur, nitrogen or metals from an oil feedstock. The method involves reacting the oil feedstock with an alkali metal and a radical capping substance. The alkali metal reacts with the metal, sulfur or nitrogen content to form one or more inorganic products and the radical capping substance reacts with the carbon and hydrogen content to form a hydrocarbon phase. The inorganic products may then be separated out from the hydrocarbon phase. | 10-23-2014 |
20150053571 | PROCESS FOR RECOVERING ALKALI METALS AND SULFUR FROM ALKALI METAL SULFIDES AND POLYSULFIDES - Alkali metals and sulfur may be recovered from an oil desulfurization process which utilized alkali metal in an electrolytic process that utilizes an electrolytic cell having an alkali ion conductive membrane. An anolyte solution includes an alkali monosulfide, an alkali polysulfide, or a mixture thereof and a solvent that dissolves elemental sulfur. A catholyte includes molten alkali metal. Applying an electric current oxidizes sulfide and polysulfide 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. Liquid sulfur separates from the anolyte solution and may be recovered. The electrolytic cell is operated at a temperature where the formed alkali metal and sulfur are molten. | 02-26-2015 |