Presented is an apparatus and method to produce steam wherein conductive elements and non-conductive artifacts are present and interact during the generation of steam allowing for the elimination of the critical heat flux (CFH) limitations present during the production of high-temperature steam.
H05B 3/14 - Éléments chauffants caractérisés par la composition ou la nature des matériaux ou par la disposition du conducteur caractérisés par la composition ou la nature du matériau conducteur le matériau étant non métallique
H05B 1/02 - Dispositions de commutation automatique spécialement adaptées aux appareils de chauffage
F22B 1/28 - Méthodes de production de vapeur caractérisées par le genre de chauffage dans des chaudières chauffées électriquement
2.
ENERGY EFFICIENT TWIN REVERSED SPIRAL CONFIGURED HEATING ELEMENT AND GAS HEATER USING THE SAME
Presented is an electrically charged heating element configured as a twin reversed spiral or other flat shape for high power density during cross current fluid flow. In one embodiment the element material is wound clockwise in a spiral inwardly to a point and then wound counterclockwise in a spiral outwardly from that point on the same plane as the clockwise winding, and between the clockwise windings, to a point past the beginning of the outer clockwise winding. Hot fluid generators employing such elements singly or in multiple stacked configurations are presented as well.
H05B 3/24 - Éléments chauffants ayant une surface s'étendant essentiellement dans deux dimensions, p. ex. plaques chauffantes non flexibles le conducteur chauffant étant autoportant
H05B 3/28 - Éléments chauffants ayant une surface s'étendant essentiellement dans deux dimensions, p. ex. plaques chauffantes non flexibles le conducteur chauffant enrobé dans un matériau isolant
Presented is an electrically charged heating element configured as a twin reversed spiral or other flat shape for high power density during cross current fluid flow. In one embodiment the element material is wound clockwise in a spiral inwardly to a point and then wound counterclockwise in a spiral outwardly from that point on the same plane as the clockwise winding, and between the clockwise windings, to a point past the beginning of the outer clockwise winding. Hot fluid generators employing such elements singly or in multiple stacked configurations are presented as well.
F24H 3/04 - Appareils de chauffage d'air à circulation forcée l'air étant en contact direct avec l'agent chauffant, p. ex. élément chauffant électrique
H05B 3/14 - Éléments chauffants caractérisés par la composition ou la nature des matériaux ou par la disposition du conducteur caractérisés par la composition ou la nature du matériau conducteur le matériau étant non métallique
H05B 3/20 - Éléments chauffants ayant une surface s'étendant essentiellement dans deux dimensions, p. ex. plaques chauffantes
H05B 3/24 - Éléments chauffants ayant une surface s'étendant essentiellement dans deux dimensions, p. ex. plaques chauffantes non flexibles le conducteur chauffant étant autoportant
H05B 3/28 - Éléments chauffants ayant une surface s'étendant essentiellement dans deux dimensions, p. ex. plaques chauffantes non flexibles le conducteur chauffant enrobé dans un matériau isolant
H05B 3/68 - Dispositions pour le chauffage spécialement adaptées aux plaques de cuisinière ou aux plaques chaudes analogues
4.
ONE ATMOSPHERE BOILER INSTANT SUPERHEATED STEAM APPARATUS AND METHOD
An apparatus and method for the instant generation of superheated steam at normal atmospheric pressure are presented. Such an apparatus includes a water source, a means to convert the water to a mist or atomized droplets and a means to superheat the mist for application onto surfaces and objects. The apparatus and method are based upon the unique properties and behavior of misted water when it comes into contact with a heated surface, such behavior and properties resulting in the efficient and expansive release of energy and superheated steam. Such an apparatus can produce this steam at one atmosphere without the need of a boiler or other required high pressure fixtures or piping.
Apparatus and method to produce point-of-use compressed superheated steam for a wide variety of uses including, but not limited to, cleaning, heating, drying, surface preparation, sterilization, pest control and elimination, degreasing and food preparation. The apparatus produces and compresses superheated steam without the hazards and problems associated with the current state of the art where steam is generated, compressed and stored in potentially dangerous and maintenance intensive boilers and associated piping and fixtures. The in-line steam generator of the present application produces superheated steam at one atmosphere which is immediately pressurized using a compression means and then immediately utilized through application employing a nozzle or a storage tank or other such device.
A compact steaming device, which may be handheld, and method for the generation at one atmosphere and projection of superheated steam over objects and surfaces for the elimination and control of unwanted microorganisms and pests including, but not limited to bedbugs, fleas, ants, lice and mites. A preferred embodiment of such a compact device comprises a vessel, a base, heating coils, a superheated steam generator and an external power supply for the initial boiling of a liquid to vapor and for subsequent heating of the vapor to superheated temperatures. The device and method allow for the generation of steam or gas and subsequent superheating to be accomplished safely at one atmosphere. The preferred embodiment allows for the free flow of the gas through and out of the compact device safely and effectively relieving any resulting pressure. A multi-watt embodiment is also envisioned which may be handheld or stationary.
A01M 1/22 - Systèmes fixes pour capturer ou détruire les insectes par des procédés électriques
A01M 19/00 - Appareils pour la destruction des animaux nuisibles autres que les insectes, par l'eau chaude, la vapeur, l'air chaud ou l'électricité
A01G 13/06 - Dispositifs générateurs de chaleur, de fumée ou de brouillard pour les jardins, vergers ou forêts, p. ex. pour prévenir les dégâts provoqués par la gelée
7.
ANTIBIOFILM NANOPOROUS NANOSTRUCTURES AND METHOD TO PRODUCE SAME
Durable nanoporous nanostructured materials that modify, eliminate and destroy biofilms that may develop due to the presence of bacteria, fungi and other microbes and method for making the same. Such nanoporous nanostructures may be deposited as coatings on a substrate and such coatings may include at least one nanopore and a plurality of nanoparticles which adhere to the substrate and/or other particles. The nanostructure can be produced using a single-sided electrode arrangement, which is configured to produce an electrical arc or discharge at one end of an electrode and to emit the nanoparticles from the electrode, where the arc or discharge can be produced without the end of the electrode being in proximity to a grounded object. The nanoparticles form a non-porous framework which delineates any nanopores and which can be deposited as one or more layers of nanothickness. Such nanostructures may be resistant to removal from the substrate. Also described are testing methods and apparatus for the quick, accurate and simple evaluation of the efficacy of the antibiofilm properties of the nanoporous nanostructure.
C23C 4/12 - Revêtement par pulvérisation du matériau de revêtement à l'état fondu, p. ex. par pulvérisation à l'aide d'une flamme, d'un plasma ou d'une décharge électrique caractérisé par le procédé de pulvérisation
B05D 1/04 - Procédés pour appliquer des liquides ou d'autres matériaux fluides aux surfaces réalisés par pulvérisation comportant l'emploi d'un champ électrostatique
C23C 28/02 - Revêtements uniquement de matériaux métalliques
C23C 4/04 - Revêtement par pulvérisation du matériau de revêtement à l'état fondu, p. ex. par pulvérisation à l'aide d'une flamme, d'un plasma ou d'une décharge électrique caractérisé par le matériau de revêtement
8.
ANTI-SMUDGING, BETTER GRIPPING, BETTER SHELF-LIFE OF PRODUCTS AND SURFACES
A device to provide improved anti- smudging, better gripping and longer shelf- life to products and surfaces 10 includes an electric superheated steam generator 60 and an electric low-ion plasma generator 80 to provide superheated steam and low-ion plasma to the surfaces of products including plastics. One embodiment envisions the superheated steam generator 60 and the low-ion plasma generator 80 being contained in a housing 20 while another embodiment anticipates a conveyor means 100 positioned in front of the superheated steam generator 60 and the low-ion plasma generator 80. A method for the improving of anti-smudging, gripping and shelf- life for properties includes the application of superheated steam and low-ion plasma by means of a superheated steam generator 60 and a low-ion plasma generator 80 to products for specific periods of time and at specific distances to attain desired surface and bulk properties. The superheated steam and low-ion plasma may be applied individually, simultaneously or sequentially.
A device to generate and direct electric heat 10 for use over risers, drains, pathways and pour cups during solidification in which less than 2% plasma is utilized, comprising an outer shell 20 having one open heat delivery end 25, at least one lip 30 located at the open end 25, one closed end 35, at least one electric heating element 80 affixed within the closed 35 end and refractory material 60 surrounding the electric heating element 80. A method, employing said device 10, to improve the properties of cast alloys which comprises the heating and blanketing of a molten cast surface with an atmosphere of less than 2% plasma during solidification, said atmosphere of less than 2% plasma thereby controlling temperature during the solidification and shielding the molten cast surface from the affects of oxidation.
B22D 15/00 - Coulée utilisant un moule ou un noyau dont une partie importante, pour le procédé, est de conductibilité thermique élevée, p. ex. coulée contre refroidisseursMoules ou accessoires spécialement adaptés à cette technique
C22B 9/22 - Refusion des métaux en chauffant par énergie ondulatoire ou par rayonnement corpusculaire
10.
COATINGS WITH SMALL PARTICLES THAT EFFECT BULK PROPERTIES
Durable interactive coatings which may be deposited on a substrate which impact bulk properties i.e. bulk modifying coatings, and a method and apparatus for producing them. Such coatings can include a plurality of particles which adhere to the substrate surface and/or other particles and include films. The particles can be provided as one or more layers of nanoscale particles having an average size of less than about 1000 nm, 800 nm, 500 nm, or 200 nm or 100 nm or less than 50 nm. Such bulk modifying coatings can have a thickness that is less than about 5000 nm, 800 nm, 500 nm, or 250 nm or even 200 nm. Thicker coatings or thinner coatings are provided depending on the potential field thermodynamic interaction of the substrate and particles for bulk property enhancement. Corresponding films are also provided.
C23C 4/04 - Revêtement par pulvérisation du matériau de revêtement à l'état fondu, p. ex. par pulvérisation à l'aide d'une flamme, d'un plasma ou d'une décharge électrique caractérisé par le matériau de revêtement
C23C 4/12 - Revêtement par pulvérisation du matériau de revêtement à l'état fondu, p. ex. par pulvérisation à l'aide d'une flamme, d'un plasma ou d'une décharge électrique caractérisé par le procédé de pulvérisation
Durable antimicrobial coatings which may be deposited on a substrate, and method and apparatus for producing them. Such coatings can include a plurality of particles which adhere to the substrate and/or other particles. The particles can be provided using a single-sided electrode arrangement, which is configured to produce an electrical arc or discharge at one end of an electrode and to emit the particles from the electrode, where the arc or discharge can be produced without the end of the electrode being in proximity to a grounded object. The particles can be provided as one or more layers of nanoscale particles having an average size of less than about 1000 nm, 800 nm, 500 nm, or 200 nm. Such coatings can have a thickness that is less than about 1000 nm, 800 nm, 500 nm, or 250 nm. Thicker coatings may also be provided. The coatings may preferably include silver, tungsten, noble metals, nonstoichiometric compounds including ceramics, other metals including rare earth metals and compounds thereof, and combinations thereof. Such coatings may be resistant to removal from the substrate and can exhibit antimicrobial properties, e.g., they may kill or inhibit growth of bacteria and other microbes.
An apparatus (200, 300, 400) for generating superheated steam capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms associated with an item (230) includes a gas heater (10) for heating a gas, a steam generator coupled to the gas heater (10) and having a reservoir (216, 304) for supplying water, wherein the heater (10) heats the gas such that when water is combined therewith, a mixture of superheated steam and gas capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms is discharged from the apparatus (200, 300, 400). The generation of the steam-gas mixture may be done at one atmosphere of pressure and the mixing may be done prior to expelling the fluid from the apparatus (200, 300, 400). The apparatus (400) may be configured as a hand-held device, A method of treating an item (230) for microorganisms includes generating a superheated steam at approximately one atmosphere of pressure, directing a flow of the steam onto the item (230), and reducing or eliminating microorganisms using the steam.
A61L 2/07 - Procédés ou appareils de désinfection ou de stérilisation de matériaux ou d'objets autres que les denrées alimentaires ou les lentilles de contactAccessoires à cet effet utilisant des phénomènes physiques de la chaleur des gaz chauds de la vapeur
F24H 1/16 - Chauffe-eau instantanés, c.-à-d. dans lesquels il n'y a production de chaleur que lorsque l'eau s'écoule, p. ex. avec contact direct de l'eau avec l'agent chauffant dans lesquels l'eau est maintenue séparée de l'agent chauffant par tubes, p. ex. en forme de serpentins enroulés en hélice ou en spirale
A sterilizing apparatus (10, 80) includes an enclosure (18, 84) defining an interior chamber (20, 86) and a door (22) for accessing the interior chamber (20, 86). A fluid source (42, 88) communicates with the chamber (20, 86) to supply a working fluid thereto. A heater (64, 102) heats the fluid in the chamber (20, 86) and a pump (62, 82) moves the fluid in the chamber (20, 86) by the heater (64, 102). A valve (50, 150) communicates with the chamber (20, 86) and with the exterior of the chamber (20, 86) and is configured to vent the fluid in the chamber (20, 86) to the exterior at a pressure of approximately one atmosphere. Such provides superheating and concentrating of the working fluid in the chamber (20, 86). A method of sterilization includes introducing a working fluid into an interior chamber (20, 86) and circulating the fluid through at least one recirculation loop (54, 96) having a heater (64, 102) for heating the fluid to an operational temperature suitable for killing microorganisms. The method further provides venting of the fluid from the chamber (20, 86) so as to maintain the pressure at approximately one atmosphere. The method further provides for killing of very high temperature resistant microorganisms.
A61L 2/07 - Procédés ou appareils de désinfection ou de stérilisation de matériaux ou d'objets autres que les denrées alimentaires ou les lentilles de contactAccessoires à cet effet utilisant des phénomènes physiques de la chaleur des gaz chauds de la vapeur
14.
MATERIALS HAVING AN ENHANCED EMISSIVITY AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME
Exemplary materials exhibiting high emissivity and methods for making them are provided. These materials can include a porous coating of small particles provided on a substrate, where the particles can resist sintering and further densification at high temperatures. These materials may be formed by generating an arc using a one-sided electrode apparatus, where particles produced by the arc and electrode can impinge on the substrate and adhere to it. The coating can include predominantly undensified small particles which can have a size less than about 1 μm. These materials can have an emissivity greater than 0.8 or 0.9. Such materials can be used to form infrared emitters which may provide greater energy efficiency and increased operating lifetime as compared to uncoated emitters. Surfaces coated with small particles may be used in further applications such as catalytic or reactive surfaces, engine components, or acoustical dampening surfaces.
C23C 4/00 - Revêtement par pulvérisation du matériau de revêtement à l'état fondu, p. ex. par pulvérisation à l'aide d'une flamme, d'un plasma ou d'une décharge électrique
brevets
