Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Other

John Joseph Keating

Georges Belfort

Joseph Imbrogno

James Kilduff

Joseph Grimaldi

David L Wilson

Mark A Johnson

Kevin Miner

Feliciano Sabates

Charles Mossey

Charles VanCampen

Daniel Crayon

Mirco Sorci

Alexander Kenneth Lee

Istvan Zsolt Kocsis

A method for modifying a polymeric surface is disclosed. The polymeric surface is activated utilizing atmospheric pressure plasma. An atom transfer radical polymerization initiator is then coupled to the activated surface. A monomer is then polymerized on the activated surface utilizing an activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) process. The method enables brush-modification of the polymeric surface, even if the polymeric surface is substantially chemically inert. By way of example, the method enables a chemically inert, substantially hydrophobic polymer surface to be functionalized with substantially hydrophilic polymer brushes. The methods of the present disclosure have general applicability to a myriad of implementations where tunable surface chemistry is advantageous, such as filtration membranes, marine surfaces, and medical devices seeking a biocompatible coating.

Method for providing a modification to a polymeric surface

The present invention relates to synthetic membranes and use of these synthetic membranes for isolation of volatile organic compounds and purification of water. The synthetic membrane includes a hydrophobic polymer layer located on a polymeric membrane support layer. The invention includes a method of isolating volatile organic compounds with the synthetic membrane by contacting a volatile organic mixture with the hydrophobic polymer layer of the synthetic membrane and removing volatile organic compounds from the polymeric membrane support layer of the synthetic membrane by a process of pervaporation. The invention also includes a method of purifying water with the synthetic membrane by contacting an ionic solution with the hydrophobic polymer layer of the synthetic membrane and removing water from the polymeric membrane support layer of the synthetic membrane by a process of reverse osmosis. The invention also relates to methods of isolating non-polar gases by gas fractionation.

Synthetic membranes and methods of use thereof

The flood vent of the invention provides a frame configured for installation in a concrete block foundation wall in place of a single block. The frame includes an angularly oriented window. A gate is pivotally mounted at an upper end thereof within the frame to rest against the window, causing the gate to reside at an angle and be held closed by gravity. A float is mounted to the gate and positioned at rest below the lower edge of the frame to cause the gate to pivot toward an open position when flood water rises to a level approaching the wall opening.

Flood vent

An apparatus for generating an impact against a target object comprises a driver reciprocally disposed in a housing. The driver includes a hollow tube having a closed end and a nozzle seating the other end. A piston is slidably positioned in the tube. Propellant is disposed between the piston and the closed end of the tube and fluid is disposed between the nozzle and the piston. A rupture disc is provided for sealing the nozzle which is adapted to rupture when the pressure in the tube exceeds a predetermined pressure. A striker is also mounted in the housing so that in a retracted position of the striker a head portion is proximate the driver and a portion of a shaft extends outwardly from the housing. The striker member is movable between the retracted position and an extended position. The propellant is ignited so that combustion gases build pressure in the tube between the piston and the closed end of the tube causing the pressure in the tube to exceed the predetermined pressure for rupturing the disc. This causes the piston to move toward the nozzle and fluid to be expelled through the nozzle for moving the driver against the head portion of the striker. The driver transfers energy to the striker for moving the striker to the extended position at high velocity for driving the end of the striker with great force against the target object. Recoil action is cushioned by the fluid exiting the nozzle.

Recoilless impact device

An apparatus for generating an impact against a target object comprises a driver reciprocally disposed in a housing. The driver includes a hollow tube having a closed end and a nozzle sealing the other end. A piston is slidably positioned in the tube. Propellant is disposed between the piston and the closed end of the tube and fluid is disposed between the nozzle and the piston. A rupture disc is provided for sealing the nozzle which is adapted to rupture when the pressure in the tube exceeds a predetermined pressure. A striker is also mounted in the housing so that in a retracted position of the striker a head portion is proximate the driver and a portion of a shaft extends outwardly from the housing. The striker member is movable between the retracted position and an extended position. The propellant is ignited so that combustion gases build pressure in the tube between the piston and the closed end of the tube causing the pressure in the tube to exceed the predetermined pressure for rupturing the disc. This causes the piston to move toward the nozzle and fluid to be expelled through the nozzle for moving the driver against the head portion of the striker. The driver transfers energy to the striker for moving the striker to the extended position at high velocity for driving the end of the striker with great force against the target object. Recoil action is cushioned by the fluid exiting the nozzle.

Growing community of inventors

Troy, NY, United States of America

John Joseph Keating