Gerald D Cooper

US Patent:

6526803, Mar 4, 2003

Filed:

Aug 31, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/388084

Inventors:

Dan Fraenkel - Boulder CO
Gerald Cooper - Boulder CO

Assignee:

Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc. - Longmont CO

International Classification:

G01N 3106

US Classification:

73 104

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for generating moisture standards in gases are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus for introducing a preselected amount of water vapor or other vaporized liquid into a flowing gas stream at a constant rate, which comprises a suitable syringe having a needle attached thereto; an evaporator attached to said needle, wherein the evaporator is located in the flowing gas stream; and a means for applying pressure to the syringe, such that water or other liquid may be delivered at a constant rate from the syringe through the needle into the evaporator. The invention also relates to a method for introducing a preselected amount of water vapor or other vaporized liquid into a flowing gas stream at a constant rate, which comprises providing a syringe having a needle attached thereto, wherein the syringe contains the water or other liquid to be vaporized; applying pressure to the syringe, such that water or other liquid is transferred at a constant rate from the syringe through the needle into an evaporator, said evaporator being attached to one end of the needle, and situated in the flowing gas stream; and allowing the water or other liquid to evaporate from the evaporator into the flowing gas stream. The apparatus and method of the invention are useful for the generation of low levels of moisture, and are especially useful where quick and reliable changes of moisture level in the gas is desired. Thus, the apparatus and method are useful in the generation of primary moisture standards for use in the calibration of moisture analyzing instruments, such as FTIR spectrometers.

US Patent:

57360553, Apr 7, 1998

Filed:

May 16, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/442195

Inventors:

Gerald Cooper - Boulder CO

Assignee:

Photo-Catalytics, Inc. - Boulder CO

International Classification:

C02F 132

US Classification:

210748

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a replacable cartridge for use in a photocatalytic fluid purification system. The cartridge is capable of modifying impurities in a fluid flowing through the cartridge in the presence of light. The cartridge includes a flexible, porous element having a semiconductor coating associated with it and a rigid support structure which supports the element. The cartridge may be used in a variety of fluid purification applications where photocatalysis has not heretofore been utilized.

US Patent:

51165821, May 26, 1992

Filed:

Apr 26, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/514557

Inventors:

Gerald Cooper - Boulder CO
Matthew A. Ratcliff - Lakewood CO
Jeffrey G. Sczechowski - Boulder CO

Assignee:

Photo-Catalytics, Inc. - Boulder CO

International Classification:

B01J 1912

US Classification:

4221863

Abstract:

A photocatalytic slurry reactor is driven by solar or artificial ultraviolet illumination. A cylindrical ultraviolet lamp is suspended by an O-ring within a cylindrical reactor jacket, creating an annular region through which a photocatalytic slurry is pumped. An optional streamlined nose cone at the inlet end of the lamp reduces flow turbulence and increases flow velocity. A helical stainless steel wire wrapped about the bulb acts as a turbulence promotor to disturb the boundary layer for increased radial mixing. A three-electrode charging-arrangement may be used to regulate the charge of the solution. In another embodiment, a reactor uses a solar collection trough to focus solar rays on a C-shaped reactor jacket, the interior of which is provided with ridges or ribs to disturb the boundary layer.

US Patent:

6110258, Aug 29, 2000

Filed:

Oct 6, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/166987

Inventors:

Dan Fraenkel - Boulder CO
Hans H. Funke - Boulder CO
Gerald Cooper - Boulder CO

Assignee:

Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc. - Parsippany NJ

International Classification:

B01D 5304
B01D 5328

US Classification:

95117

Abstract:

A method for removing trace moisture from a gas is disclosed. The method involves heating a zeolite having a high silica-to-alumina ratio to about 400. degree. C. to remove physically absorbed water from the zeolite, followed by heating the zeolite to a temperature in excess of 650. degree. C. , to form a superheated zeolite. Heating to temperatures of 650. degree. C. or above is believed to cause dehydroxylation of the zeolite. A method for the preparation of a dehydroxylated zeolite is also disclosed. The superheated zeolite is contacted with the gas, thereby adsorbing water from the gas. A dehydroxylated zeolite for removing trace moisture from a gas wherein the zeolite has a high silica-to-alumina ratio and a low level of metallic impurities is also disclosed. The zeolite and methods of the invention are particularly useful for removing trace water from acid gases such as hydrogen chloride and hydrogen bromide.

US Patent:

48881015, Dec 19, 1989

Filed:

Jul 24, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/888872

Inventors:

Gerald Cooper - Boulder CO

International Classification:

B01J 1908
B32B 300

US Classification:

20415715

Abstract:

A system for photocatalytically modifying a chemical composition comprising a semiconductor powder dispersed and entrapped within a layer of Pyrex glass wool interposed between two transparent plates. When a fluid containing the chemical composition flows through the glass wool and around the semiconductor powder, electromagnetic radiation impinging upon the semiconductor powder causes the chemical composition to be modified. A method for modifying the chemical composition and a method of manufacturing a panel for use in the system and method are also disclosed.

US Patent:

51184222, Jun 2, 1992

Filed:

Jul 24, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/557223

Inventors:

Gerald Cooper - Boulder CO
Matthew A. Ratcliff - Lakewood CO

Assignee:

Photo-Catalytics, Inc. - Boulder CO

International Classification:

C02F 132

US Classification:

210636

Abstract:

An ultraviolet driven photocatalytic post-treatment technique for the purification of waste water distillates, reverse osmosis permeates and spacecraft habitat atmospheric humidity condensates is described. Experimental results show that organic impurity carbon content of simulated reclamation waters at nominal 40 PPM level are reduced to, PPB using a recirculating batch reactor. The organic impurities common to reclaimed waste waters are completely oxidized employing minimum expendables (stoichiometric oxygen). This paper discusses test results and parameteric data obtained for design and fabrication of a bread-board system. The parametric testing includes UV light source evaluation, photolysis vs photocatalysis comparison, oxygen concentration dependence, temperature dependence, reactor mixing, disinfection features, photocatalyst loading, photocatalyst degradation studies and power consumption estimates. This novel post-treatment approach for waste water reclamation shows potential for integration with closed-loop life support systems.

US Patent:

51748770, Dec 29, 1992

Filed:

Dec 15, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/451375

Inventors:

Gerald Cooper - Boulder CO
Matthew A. Ratcliff - Lakewood CO

Assignee:

Photo-Catalytics, Inc. - Boulder CO

International Classification:

C25B 900

US Classification:

204193

Abstract:

Apparatus for decontaminating a contaminated fluid by using photocatalytic particles. The apparatus includes a reactor tank for holding a slurry of the contaminated fluid and the photocatalytic particles ultraviolet light irradiates the surface of the slurry, thereby activating the photocatalytic properties of the particles. Stirring blades for continuously agitate the irradiated fluid surface maintaining the particles in a suspended state within the fluid. A cross flow filter is used for separating the fluid from the semiconductor powder after the decomposition reaction is ended. The cross flow filter is occasionally back flushed to remove any caked semiconductor powder. The semiconductor powder may be recirculated back to the tank for reuse, or may be stored for future use. A series of reactor tanks may be used to gradually decompose a chemical in the fluid. The fluid may be pretreated to remove certain metal ions which interfere with the photocatalytic process.

US Patent:

52943151, Mar 15, 1994

Filed:

Oct 9, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/944198

Inventors:

Gerald Cooper - Boulder CO
Matthew A. Ratcliff - Lakewood CO

Assignee:

PhotoCatalytics, Inc. - Boulder CO

International Classification:

C07B 6300

US Classification:

20415820

Abstract:

A system for decontaminating the contaminated fluid by using photocatalytic particles. The system includes a reactor tank for holding the contaminated fluid and the photocatalytic particles suspended in the contaminated fluid to form a slurry. Light irradiates the surface of the slurry, thereby activating the photocatalytic properties of the particles. The system also includes stirring blades for continuously agitating the irradiated fluid surface and for maintaining the particles in a suspended state within the fluid. The system also includes a cross flow filter for segregating the fluid (after decomposition) from the semiconductor powder. The cross flow filter is occasionally back flushed to remove any semiconductor powder that might have caked on the filter. The semiconductor powder may be recirculated back to the tank for reuse, or may be stored for future use. A series of such systems may be used to gradually decompose a chemical in the fluid.