Michael R Max

US Patent:

20100307181, Dec 9, 2010

Filed:

Jun 9, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/481352

Inventors:

Michael D. Max - St. Pete Beach FL, US

International Classification:

F25D 21/14

US Classification:

62291

Abstract:

The invention relates to atmospheric moisture harvesting. In particular, the invention capitalizes on the recognition that the air outside of a building usually has higher relative humidity than the air inside of the building. Therefore, the present invention relocates and/or modifies the configuration of an atmospheric moisture harvester such that more-moisture-laden, higher-relative-humidity outdoor air lows over the cooled water condensation surface of the atmospheric moisture harvester as the source for water to be delivered and consumed safely inside a dwelling or building. This increases the efficiency of atmospheric moisture harvesting and, at the same time, maintains the ability to access water obtained by the atmospheric moisture harvester from inside the building, thereby fostering ease of use.

US Patent:

20100113845, May 6, 2010

Filed:

Oct 29, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/608464

Inventors:

John P. Osegovic - St. Petersburg FL, US
Ian M. Slattery - St. Petersburg FL, US
Michael D. Max - St. Pete Beach FL, US

International Classification:

C07C 9/04
C07C 9/06
C07C 9/08

US Classification:

585 15

Abstract:

The invention relates to using gas hydrate to separate specific gases from a gas mixture. In particular, compound hydrate is formed from a mixed gas feedstock to concentrate one or more desired gas species in the hydrate phase and the remainder in the gas phase. The hydrate is then separated from the gas phase and dissociated to produce a gas stream concentrated in the desired species. Additives that accelerate the growth of hydrate and a defoaming agent are added to change the rate of reaction and eliminate hard to break foam produced by the catalyst to enhance total throughput through the process. The addition of some materials can result in changes in the density of the hydrate product, which can be useful for optimizing the separation of hydrate from unreacted liquid and/or rejected gas.

US Patent:

20090321435, Dec 31, 2009

Filed:

Jun 30, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/164206

Inventors:

Michael D. Max - St. Pete Beach FL, US

International Classification:

B65D 30/20

US Classification:

220 93

Abstract:

A water handling system features collapsible containers which have ports on either side. The ports allow multiple containers to be connected together so that they can be filled in sequential order. The ports have quick-connect fittings by means of which a cap, an inter-container connector, and/or a spout member can be connected to the containers. Dissolving electrolyte-providing members are suitably provided to be inserted into the containers so that pure water collected, e.g., from an atmospheric moisture harvester can be remineralized.

US Patent:

20080053882, Mar 6, 2008

Filed:

May 8, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/797832

Inventors:

Michael Max - St. Pete Beach FL, US

International Classification:

B01D 35/18

US Classification:

210184000

Abstract:

Desalination apparatus based on porous restraint panels fabricated from a number of different layers of metal, thermoplastic, or other substances are used as sophisticated heat exchangers to control the growth of gas hydrate. The gas hydrate is produced after infusion of liquid hydrate-forming material into water to be treated, which liquid hydrate-forming material can also be used to carry out all the refrigeration necessary to cool seawater to near the point of hydrate formation and to cool the porous restraint panels. Hydrate forms on and dissociates through the porous restraints. The composite restraint panels can also be used in gaseous atmospheres where, for instance, it is desired to remove dissolved water.

US Patent:

20070079624, Apr 12, 2007

Filed:

Oct 7, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/245130

Inventors:

Michael Max - St. Pete Beach FL, US

International Classification:

F25D 21/00
F25D 21/14

US Classification:

062285000, 062272000

Abstract:

Improved apparatus and methods for use in atmospheric moisture harvesters are disclosed. In particular, sectored or zoned cooling/condensation surfaces to optimize cooling efficiency are disclosed. In one embodiment, cooling is provided by dual-refrigerant, buffered cooling cells. In another embodiment, cooling is provided by thermoelectric cooling devices. Where thermoelectric cooling devices are used, an airway duct that covers both the cool side and the warm side of the devices can be provided, such that an airflow system that is driven by the difference in density between cooled, de-moisturized air and warmed air is established. Localized temperatures and moisture levels are monitored so that cooling can be adjusted as necessary to provide optimal, most energy-efficient condensation of moisture.

US Patent:

20070284318, Dec 13, 2007

Filed:

Apr 13, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/785033

Inventors:

Michael David Max - St. Pete Beach FL, US

International Classification:

C02F 1/20

US Classification:

210774

Abstract:

Desalination apparatus based on porous restraint panels fabricated from a number of different layers of metal, thermoplastic, or other substances are used as sophisticated heat exchangers to control the growth of gas hydrate. The gas hydrate is produced after infusion of liquid hydrate-forming material into water to be treated, which liquid hydrate-forming material can also be used to carry out all the refrigeration necessary to cool seawater to near the point of hydrate formation and to cool the porous restraint panels. Hydrate forms on and dissociates through the porous restraints. The composite restraint panels can also be used in gaseous atmospheres where, for instance, it is desired to remove dissolved water.

US Patent:

20080028781, Feb 7, 2008

Filed:

May 8, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/797833

Inventors:

Michael David Max - St. Pete Beach FL, US

International Classification:

F25B 27/00
F25D 25/00

US Classification:

622381, 62 62

Abstract:

Desalination apparatus based on porous restraint panels fabricated from a number of different layers of metal, thermoplastic, or other substances are used as sophisticated heat exchangers to control the growth of gas hydrate. The gas hydrate is produced after infusion of liquid hydrate-forming material into water to be treated, which liquid hydrate-forming material can also be used to carry out all the refrigeration necessary to cool seawater to near the point of hydrate formation and to cool the porous restraint panels. Hydrate forms on and dissociates through the porous restraints. The composite restraint panels can also be used in gaseous atmospheres where, for instance, it is desired to remove dissolved water.

US Patent:

20060273036, Dec 7, 2006

Filed:

Aug 16, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/504659

Inventors:

Michael Max - St. Pete Beach FL, US
John Osegovic - Tampa FL, US

International Classification:

C02F 1/52

US Classification:

210702000

Abstract:

Toxic waste waters polluted with high levels of chemical byproducts of various industrial processes (e.g., waste water held in industrial holding ponds) are treated using gas hydrate to extract and remove fresh water from the polluted water, thus reducing the volume of toxic waste water inventories. Extracting fresh water by forming and removing the hydrate raises the concentration of dissolved materials in the residual concentrated brines to levels at which the residual fluid is suitable for use as an industrial feedstock. Furthermore, so raising the concentration of the residual brine will cause certain mineral species to precipitate out of solution, which mineral species are separated from the fluid and may be put to other uses, as appropriate. Food products are also advantageously concentrated by means of gas hydrates.