WO2002099824A2

WO2002099824A2 - Nanotube deposition on adsorbents in water maker heat pump

Info

Publication number: WO2002099824A2
Application number: PCT/US2002/011968
Authority: WO
Inventors: David A. Zornes
Original assignee: Zornes David A
Priority date: 2001-04-16
Filing date: 2002-04-16
Publication date: 2002-12-12
Also published as: WO2002099824A3

Abstract

A molecular sieve apparatus and magnetic/adsorbent material composition facilitate molecular absorption and separations using a magnetic field to hold, move, cool,and/or heat an adsorbent (1) that is bonded to magnetic materials (3) that are moveable by a magnetic field. An adsorbent (1) is bonded to a soft magnetic material (3) with a binder (2) into a powder composite material adsorbent that is attractable by a magnetic field. This new composite powder is referred to hereinafter as a magneto adsorbent (4). The magnetoadsorbent (4) functions to adsorb and desorb working substances, causing a molecular separation; thus, increasing the efficiency of the absorption cycle by moving the adsorbent (1) to a location that processes the adsorbent (1) in the most optimized conditions. Magnetic field manipulation of adsorbents (1) provides the ability to deliver molecules to locations within systems. Magnetoadsorbents (4) of the present invention further increase the efficiency of the absorption cycle by combining materials with functions including:catalyst, buoyancy, suspension, magnetic heating, and sinking in liquid. All NanoCoupling magnetoadsorbent can adsorb in an oriented direction, because cobalt carbon nanotubes provide a structure to orient within a magnetic field.

Description

NANOTUBE DEPOSITION ON ADSORBENTS IN WATER MAKER HEAT

PUMP Field of the Invention The present invention is generally directed towards a carbon nanotube grown onto a magnetic/adsorbent material composition, and more specifically to a magnetic/adsorbent material composition that uses different types of adsorbent material bonded to magnetic materials to adsorb and then remove the molecules adsorbed from a fluid or gas. Water makers, heat pumps and foams structures result.

Background of the Invention Molecular sieves are porous, synthetic, crystalline alumino-silicates that function much like a sieve; they adsorb some molecules and reject others. The absorption and desorption are completely reversible. These molecular sieves are adsorbents and referred to in the industry as zeolites. Other adsorbents exist like carbon fiber, carbon foam, silica gel, and activated alumina, and each has a unique application. Zeolite molecular sieves have a high kinetic rate of absoφtion and have over 50 species that perform differently. The wide range of molecular sieve custom choices makes zeolites a desirable material for many applications. Zeolite properties of ion exchange, reversible loss and gain of water and the absoφtion of other gases and vapor make zeolites useful adsorbents.

Typically zeolites activate (desorb adsorbates) efficiently at temperatures above 250 degrees F. This invention teaches vapor deposition of carbon nanotubes onto zeolites (mineral composites) and other minerals reducing the desoφtion temperature to passive solar ranges (approximately 65 to 130 degrees F), which thermal range is controllable by the number and length of nanotubes on the adsorbent, synthetic or natural. This invention teaches water makers that extract water from the environmental air and water based refrigeration heat pumps, including a building block to integrate water maker materials and solid-state heat pumps into the building block molded to fit the options. These new species of efficient adsorbents are not limited to water. Any commercially available synthetic or natural adsorbent can be included in this invention. The molecular sieve crystal structure is a tetrahedron of four oxygen anions surrounding smaller silicon or aluminum cations. Sodium ions, calcium ions, or other exchangeable cations make up the positive-charge deficit in the alumina tetrahedral. Each oxygen anion is also shared with another silica or aluminum tetrahedron, extending the crystal lattice in three dimensions.

The crystal structure is honeycombed with relatively large cavities that are interconnected by apertures or pores. The entire volume of these cavities is available for absoφtion. For example, the free aperture size of the sodium-bearing Type 4 A molecular sieve (manufactured by UOP Inc. of Des Plaines Illinois) is 3.5 angstroms in diameter, which allows the passage of molecules with an effective diameter as large as 4 angstrom. Altering the size and position of the exchangeable cations can change the angstrom size. By replacing the sodium ions with calcium ions, for example, the effective aperture size can be increased to 4.2 angstroms. Using different or modified crystal structures can also change the aperture size. ' Adsorbents are a versatile process tool in absoφtion systems. They are usually used in multiple-bed molecular sieve systems common to large scale, commercial fluid purification units. These separate beds can be plumbed together. A common approach involves one on-stream bed that is drying and/or purifying the fluid, and another that is regenerated by hot purge gas and then cooled. In regenerated beds, the beds are heated with convection or conduction. In carbon fiber monolith beds, electrical current can be applied across the fibers. As the adsorbent bed cools, the bed begins the process of adsorbing gas from the working fluid and starts the cycle over again. When an adsorbent bed is saturated with working gas fluid, the cycle is complete. The adsorbent vessel beds are then reheated and cooled to repeat the previous cycle. In situations where an interrupted flow is acceptable, a single absoφtion bed can be used. Then when the absoφtion capacity of the bed is reached, the bed is taken off-line and regenerated for subsequent use. Molecular sieves are particularly useful in situations that require gas streams that are extremely dry. Molecular sieves can obtain water concentrations below 0.1 ppmw in a dynamic drying service over a wide range of operation conditions.

When co-absoφtion of carrier stream molecules is a serious problem (e.g., in olefinic process streams) co-absoφtion can be prevented by selecting a molecular sieve with a critical pore diameter small enough to prevent other stream components from being admitted to the active inner surface of the absoφtion cavities. Molecular sieves can also be used for one-step drying and purification by selecting the proper molecular sieve and providing sufficient bed to retain the other impurities along with water.

Since molecular sieves adsorb materials through physical forces rather than through chemical reaction, they retain their original chemical state when the adsorbed molecular is desorbed. There are five types of absoφtion/desoφtion cycles:

1. Thermal swing cycles involving rising desoφtion temperatures;

2. Pressure or vacuums swing cycles involving decreased desoφtion pressures; 3. Purge-gas stripping cycles using a non-adsorbed purge gas;

4. Displacement cycles using an adsorbable purge to displace the adsorbed material; and

5. Adsoφtive heat recovery, using the retained heat of absoφtion to desorb certain molecules (e.g., water). Molecular sieves are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most common are: 1/16 and 1/8 inch pellets; beads, 8 by 12 and 4 by 12 mesh; three pellets bonded into a triangular type extrusion, granulated particles in sizes from 6 to 60 mesh; and powders. Zeolites in prior art are typically beads, cylindrical pellets, or solid molded shapes to prevent raw zeolite crystal powder from going into an airborne state when hot air is used for cooling. The raw zeolite crystal powder is approximately 3 to 5 microns in size and very difficult to handle. These pure crystals are mixed with a clay and binder like polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or aluminum phosphate, to form the zeolite beads, pellets, and molds. Beads and pellets have an attrition rate that is predictable based on the type of liquid, gas, or vapor adsorbed, vibration, heating cycles, and hot air-drying velocity. Screen meshes are used to contain the beads and pellets and allow cleaning.

Zeolite has a large internal surface area (of up to 100 m2/g), and a crystal lattice with strong electrostatic fields. Adsorbates are the gases or fluids that zeolite adsorbents adsorb. Zeolite retains adsorbates by strong physical forces rather than by chemical absoφtion. Thus, when the adsorbed molecule is desorbed by the application of heat or by displacement with another material, it leaves the crystal in the same chemical state as when it entered. The very strong adsoφtive forces in zeolite are due primarily to the cations, which are exposed in the crystal lattice. These cations act as sites of strong localized positive charge, which electro statically attract the negative end of polar molecules. The greater the dipole moment of the molecule, the more strongly it will be attracted and adsorbed. Polar molecules are generally those, which contain O, S, CI, or N atoms and are asymmetrical. Water is one such molecule. Other molecules that adsorb include, but are not limited to Ar, Kr, Xe, O2, N2, n-pentane, neopentane, Benzene, Cyclohexane, and (C4H9) 2N. Under the infiuence of the localized, strong positive charge on the cations, molecules can have dipoles induced in them. The polarized molecules are then adsorbed strongly due to the electrostatic attraction of the cations. The more unsaturated the molecule, the more polarizable it is and the more strongly it is adsorbed. The zeolites are framework silicates consisting of interlocking tetrahedrons of SiO₄ and AlO . In order to be a zeolite the ratio (Si +Al)/O must equal 1/2. The alumino- silicate structure is negatively charged and attracts the positive cations that reside within. Unlike most other tectosilicates. zeolites have large vacant spaces or cages in their structures that allow space for large cations such as sodium, potassium, barium and calcium and even relatively large molecules and cation groups such as water, ammonia, carbonate ions and nitrate ions. In the more useful zeolites, the spaces are interconnected and form long wide channels of varying sizes depending on the mineral. These channels allow the easy movement of the resident ions and molecules into and out of the structure. Zeolites are characterized by their ability to lose and absorb water without damage to their crystal structures. The large channels explain the consistent low specific gravity of these minerals.

Zeolites have many useful puφoses. They can perform ion exchange, filtering, odor removal, chemical sieve, and gas absoφtion tasks. The most well known use for zeolites is in water softeners. Calcium in water can cause it to be "hard" and capable of forming scum and other problems. Zeolites charged with the much less damaging sodium ions can allow the hard water to pass throμgh its structure and exchange the calcium for the sodium ions. This process is reversible. In a similar way zeolites can absorb ions and molecules and thus act as a filter for odor control, toxin removal and as a chemical sieve.

Zeolites can have the water in their structures driven off by heat with the basic structure left intact. Then other solutions can be pushed through the structure. The zeolites can then act as a delivery system for the new fluid. This process has applications in medicine, livestock feeds and other types of research. Zeolites added to livestock feed have been shown to absorb toxins that are damaging and even fetal to the growth of the animals, while the basic structure of the zeolite is biologically neutral. Aquarium hobbyists are seeing more zeolite products in pet stores as zeolites make excellent removers of ammonia and other toxins. Most municipal water supplies are processed through zeolites before public consumption. These uses of zeolites are extremely important for industry, although synthetic zeolites are now doing the bulk of the work.

Zeolites have basically three different structural variations.

There are chain-like structures whose minerals form acicular or needle-like prismatic crystals, i.e. natrolite.

Sheet-like structures where the crystals are flattened platy or tabular with usually good basal cleavages, i.e. heulandite.

And framework structures where the crystals are more equant in dimensions, i.e. Chabazite. A zeolite can be thought of in terms of a house, where the structure of the house (the doors, windows, walls and roof) is really the zeolite while the furniture and people are the water, ammonia and other molecules and ions that can pass in and out of the structure. The chain-like structures can be thought of like towers or high wire pylons. The sheet-like structures can be thought of like large office buildings with the sheets analogous to the floors and very few walls between the floors. And the framework structures like houses with equally solid walls and floors. All these structures are still frameworks (like the true tectosilicates that zeolites are).

These variations make the zeolite group very diverse, crystal habit-wise. Otherwise zeolites are typically soft to moderately hard, light in density, transparent to translucent and have similar origins. There are about 45 natural minerals that are recognized members of the Zeolite Group. Industrially speaking, the term zeolite includes natural silicate zeolites, synthetic materials and phosphate minerals that have a zeolite like structure. The complexity of this combined group is extensive with over 120 structural variations and more are being discovered or made every year. Collecting zeolites can be very enjoyable and fulfilling.

These are the members of the Zeolite Group:

The Analcime Family:

Analcime (Hydrated Sodium Aluminum Silicate) Pollucite (Hydrated Cesium Sodium Aluminum Silicate)

Wairakite (Hydrated Calcium Sodium Aluminum Silicate)

Bellbergite (Hydrated Potassium Barium Strontium Sodium Aluminum Silicate)

Bikitaite (Hydrated Lithium Aluminum Silicate)

Boggsite (Hydrated calcium Sodium Aluminum Silicate) Brewsterite (Hydrated Strontium Barium Sodium Calcium Aluminum Silicate)

The Chabazite Family:

Chabazite (Hydrated Calcium Aluminum Silicate)

Willhendersonite (Hydrated Potassium Calcium Aluminum Silicate) Cowlesite (Hydrated Calcium Aluminum Silicate) Dachiardite (Hydrated calcium Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate) Edingtonite (Hydrated Barium Calcium Aluminum Silicate) Epistilbite (Hydrated Calcium Aluminum Silicate) Erionite (Hydrated Sodium Potassium Calcium Aluminum Silicate)

Faujasite (Hydrated Sodium Calcium Magnesium Aluminum Silicate) Ferrierite (Hydrated Sodium Potassium Magnesium Calcium Aluminum Silicate) The Gismondine Family: Amicite (Hydrated Potassium Sodium Aluminum Silicate) Garronite (Hydrated Calcium Aluminum Silicate)

Gismondine (Hydrated Barium Calcium Aluminum Silicate) Gobbinsite (Hydrated Sodium Potassium Calcium Aluminum Silicate) Gmelinite (Hydrated Sodium Calcium Aluminum Silicate) Gonnardite (Hydrated Sodium Calcium Aluminum Silicate) Goosecreekite (Hydrated Calcium Aluminum Silicate)

The Harmotome Family:

Harmotome (Hydrated Barium Potassium Aluminum Silicate) Phillipsite (Hydrated Potassium Sodium Calcium Alianinum Silicate) Wellsite (Hydrated Barium Calcium Potassium Aluminum Silicate) The Heulandite Family:

Clinoptilolite (Hydrated Sodium Potassium Calcium Aluminum Silicate) Heulandite (Hydrated Sodium Calcium Aluminum Silicate) Laumontite (Hydrated Calcium Aluminum Silicate) Levyne (Hydrated Calcium Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate) Mazzite (Hydrated Potassium Sodium Magnesium Calcium Aluminum Silicate)

Merlinoite (Hydrated Potassium Sodium Calcium Barium Aluminum Silicate) Montesommaite (Hydrated Potassium Sodium Aluminum Silicate) Mordenite (Hydrated Sodium Potassium Calcium Aluminum Silicate) The Natrolite Family:

Mesolite (Hydrated Sodium Calcium Aluminum Silicate)

Natrolite (Hydrated Sodium Aluminum Silicate)

Scolecite (Hydrated Calcium Aluminum Silicate) Offretite (Hydrated Calcium Potassium Magnesium Aluminum Silicate)

Paranatrolite (Hydrated Sodium Aluminum Silicate)

Paulingite (Hydrated Potassium Calcium Sodium Barium Aluminum Silicate)

Perlialite (Hydrated Potassium Sodium Calcium Strontium Aluminum Silicate)

The Stilbite Family: Barrerite (Hydrated Sodium Potassium Calcium Aluminum Silicate)

Stilbite (Hydrated Sodium Calcium Aluminum Silicate)

Stellerite (Hydrated Calcium Aluminum Silicate)

Thomsonite (Hydrated Sodium Calcium Aluminum Silicate)

Tschernichite (Hydrated Calcium Aluminum Silicate) Yugawaraϋte (Hydrated Calcium Aluminum Silicate)

Zeolites have many "cousins" or minerals that have similar cage-like framework structures or have similar properties and/or are associated with zeolites; but are not zeolites, at least as defined mineralogically. These include the phosphates: kehoeite, pahasapaite and tiptopite; and the silicates: hsianghualite, lovdarite, viseite, partheite, prehnite. roggianite, apophyllite. gyrolite. maricopaite, okenite. tacharanite and tobermorite.

Carbon fiber and carbon foam monoliths (developed by Oak Ridge National Lab Tennessee, U.S.A.) reduce attrition and increase thermal efficiency; however these monoliths are still batch absoφtions like the pellets. These carbon fiber monoliths are more efficient to heat and do not require screens to contain the absoφtion materials. Activated carbon fiber has a strong attraction to carbon dioxide and a surface area greater than 1000 m2/g. Carbon fibers can be activated for a wide range of molecules. Carbon foam has the highest thermal transfer rate, and gas or fluid can pass through it. Carbon foam can have additives applied, to make it an adsorbent and it can be atomized into smaller pieces.

Carbon nanotube technologies have been developed by Starlab Engelandstraat 555, 1180 - Ukkel, Belgium, and NanoLab, Inc. 4 Park Street, Ste 1, Brookline MA 02446 www.nano-lab.com. Dr. Ren of NanoLab developed a chemical vapor deposition process providing nanotubes that are straight, zigzagged turned at controlled angles, untangled, and tangled with controlled diameter and length, including arrays that facilitate device fabrication. High product purity provides an ideal material for magnetoadsorbent type devices. The lengths of the nanotubes are controlled at selected lengths by modifying carbon to cobalt, iron, and other materials suitable for chemical vapor deposition termination. Cobalt and iron for example will be integrated into the carbon nanotube as part of the length control process. These nanotubes can be grown directly on other carbon fibers, fiber monoliths, or carbon foams. Normally acids are applied to remove the metals providing pure carbon nanotubes. This invention teaches that these magnetic materials are integrated to the carbon nanotube and provide magnetoadsorbent carbon nanotubes that can be heat/gas activated or not to specialize the adsoφtion of selected molecules. This invention teaches magnetic alloys on the ends of the carbon nanotubes meet an unmet need for magnetic field enhancements between magnetic fields that operate off an air gap or Ferro fluidic Ferro fluids. The metal end of the nanotube is attracted to a magnetic field like a permanent magnet or electromagnetic field. The remaining carbon nanotube is electrically conductive. These magnetic types of nanotubes can be fixed to various substrates and replace copper or iron (steel) components in magnetic coupling of the type manufactured by Rexnord Coφ. of Warren, PA USA www.rexnord.com. The Magnelink™ of Rexnord is a permanent magnet air gap coupling transferring torque across an air gap. Rare earth magnet rotors rotate next to a copper backed by iron rotor, the conductor rotor. This invention teaches that cobalt, iron, or other magnetic terminating materials provide a stronger magnetic field between the couplings when applied on the surface of the magnets or on the surfaces of the conductor rotor. The nanotube can be broken off the original base substrate where chemical vapor deposition produced the nanotube providing loose individual nanotubes with the metal termination. A NanoCoupling forms between the magnet and conductor by applying the magnetic end of the nanotube to the permanent magnet. The carbon end of the carbon/cobalt or carbon/iron tube will all be directed toward the conductor rotor at standstill. When one rotor is rotated relative to the other the carbon side of the nanotube will move in the direction of the eddy current field generated in the copper for example. This reduces the air gap, directs the magnetic field by physically moving the nanotubes orientation, and increases the surface area cooling the components. These nanotubes contain magnetic materials like cobalt are providing a nano-electromagnetic coupling effect. The nanotube could be brushed loose if one rotor moves close and off center relative to the other rotor. The NanoCoupling cobalt tip can jump loose over to the temporary magnet formed in the copper rotors of the Magnelink coupling. These Rexnord couplings are like an induction motor, but with permanent magnets. This invention teaches that all rotating or moving equipment that relies on a magnetic field, whether it is a permanent magnet or electromagnet will be enhanced by closing gaps of electromagnetic fields with a magnetic carbon nanotube. Gaps in motors can be moved closer including linier motors, permanent magnet bearings, magnetic sensors (example given, computer hard drives, automation sensors and other sensors). The advantage of this NanoCoupling of the magnetic type is it can be brushed off one component and picked up by another part of the device if misalignment starts to form. Many motors are now being developed that are bearingless, the motors magnetic field becomes an electromagnetic bearing and this invention teaches applying this nanotube coupling will close the gap increasing the efficiency between moving components of a magnetic type. The nanotube can be suspended in Ferro fluidic Ferro fluid as the product form or dry. The magnetic nanotubes suspended in Ferro fluid closes the air gap completely and will be the preferred method in many magnetic or electromagnetic devices. Whether dry or in a fluid nanotubes NanoCouplings can be grown on the magnets, wires, iron surfaces, and installed as a NanoCoupling array on the surface of the equipment.

Imaginary flux lines are made physical. The lines of electric flux are imaginary with each line representing a certain amount of electric charge. Now flux lines can be seen and electrically coupled by iron ended concentric nanotubes inserted in electromechanical transducers providing increased flux density and increases in efficiency.

PRIOR LIMITS: Electric flux density is measured in coulombs per square meter. The electric flux density decreases with increasing distance from a charged object, according to the INVERSE-SQUARE LAW. If the distance from a charged object is doubled, the electric flux .density is reduced to one-quarter its previous value. This relationship can be envisioned by imagining spheres centered on the charged particle shown at A in the illustration. No matter what the radius of the sphere, all the electric flux around the charged particle must pass through the surface of the sphere. As the radius of the sphere is increased, the surface area of the sphere grows according to the square of the radius. Therefore, a region of the sphere with a certain area, such as 1 -square meter, becomes smaller in proportion to the square of the radius of the sphere; fewer electric lines of flux will cut through the region. In FIGURE 30 electric flux lines toward or around electric charges are illustrated: radial lines directed to a single charge (A), repulsive lines directed to two like charges (B), and attractive lines directed toward and away from two opposite electric charges (C). NanoCoupling™ inprease flux density/efficiency

End benefits: iron ended carbon nanotubes move and connect magnetic fields in electromechanical transducers. Iron ends polarize the nanotubes electrically coupling them together in electric flux: increased efficiency, lower cost operation, and cools machine operation, reduces harmonics, withstands high heat, tubes bend with memory, minimize heat rise during variable speeds, easy drop in installation, connects the magnetic field In hard to reach curves and imperfections, recycle tubes into any other device. Installs without changes to existing devices. One energy solution - can increase motor, generator, and electromechanical transducer efficiency. Iron ended carbon NanoCoupling™ stacks end-to-end in magnetic FluxNanoCoupling™ an iron ended nanotube 20mm-diameter X 20-micron (.001 -in.) length, Above: NanoCouplings grow all the same length. Iron (modified carbon) forms on ends. Left: A surface side view of HEXAGONAL atom architecture in the above carbon tubes nanotubes are removed from this growth substrate. Loose nanotubes move within magnetic flux in applications

The present invention has been described in relation to a preferred embodiment and several alternate preferred embodiments. One of ordinary skill, after reading the foregoing specification, may be able to affect various other changes, alterations, and substitutions or equivalents thereof without departing from the concepts disclosed. It is therefore intended that the scope of the Letters Patent granted hereon be limited only by the definitions contained in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

NanoCouplings™ Coating magnetic motor surfaces with dry NanoCouplings™ can reduce air gaps. Motors all have air gaps that reduce the efficiency of the motor by forcing the magnetic field to jump across the air gap. Air gaps are needed for thermal growth and misalignment tolerance. NanoCouplings™ are carbon nano-tubes with cobalt at their ends like an eraser at the end of a long pencil. The cobalt magnetically attaches to the magnetic surfaces of the motor and the carbon fiber extends out through the magnetic flux field toward the moving component. NanoCoupling™ manufacturing is a chemical deposition process that forms cobalt at its ends as a means of terminating the length of the carbon nano-tube. NanoCouplings™ can be made any length to close various air gap tolerances. NanoCouplings™ are a concentric "set" of tubes 10-40 concentric tubes (or more) within each visible outer tube all bonded to the cobalt at the end of the tube. This is a VERY strong flexible, durable tube/cobalt bond. About 1% of the motors are bathed in Ferro fluids to close the air gaps, but in all cases linking the magnetic field to the eddy current field is not as efficient as providing a cobalt magnetic end and eddy current conductive carbon nano-tube aligned in the flux field to close the magnetic field circuit. This is an addition that can be made to all motors no matter what size, linier or rotating. Magnetic bearings, magnetic couplings, microcomputer and camera components, etc... are candidates. This is a case where Nanotubes are not changing structure, but increasing efficiency. Solenoids, magnetic valves, seals, and solenoid valves can all be made more efficient. Generators and alternators are designed with air gaps that can all be reduced by applying carbon nanotubes between the moving components.

Arrays of carbon nanotubes grow straight up off the substrate and can be individually activated through circuiting. A metalized coating can be applied to these carbon nanotubes providing an antennae array for receiving signals. This metalized nanotube can also be applied as an electrode.

This above-mentioned carbon nanotube, cobalt or iron terminated, can also be applied in composite material applications. Polymer resins are available in a wide range of types for injection molding, cast molds, spin castings, extrusions, films thick or thin and new processes have been developed for Super Critical Fluid injection. Montmorillinite with nanotubes grown on the surfaces can be injection fill materials in a range of composites.

This invention teaches the need in the composite industry for carbon nanotubes with magnetic ends like cobalt or iron, which are moved toward or contacting a magnetic field, permanent or electromagnetic. Magnetic materials are not limited to these magnetic termination materials of cobalt and iron. Magnetic cobalt ends on the carbon nanotube can be focused and attracted to a focus point in a composite material before the materials are cured. There are fhermoset, thermoplastic, pressure cured, catalyst cured, metalized copolyimide, ceramic filled plastics, and each of these composites can have a wide range of fill materials, fiber glass, carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers, ground glass, pumice, bentonites, and other natural minerals. The ends in this carbon nanotube example are cobalt and will be attracted to a localized magnetic field before the composite is set or cured. Prior to curing the composite, while the composite materials can be moved within a mold, a magnetic field is provided that attracts the cobalt or iron ends to the field. This attraction focuses and orients the carbon nanotube as close to the magnetic field as possible. In some cases the magnetic attraction or the number of carbon nanotubes will not be close enough to the magnetic field to contact the mold walls these will be "oriented" carbon nanotubes within the composite. Oriented carbon nanotubes can be very useful in providing stress resistant structural strength in desired locations within a composite. A field and high quantity of nanotubes can be magnetically pulled over to a mold surface that provides a strong enough magnetic field locally. The ends of the nanotubes with the cobalt or iron will be contacting the mold surface during polymer or composite material curing. This surface will be stronger than other surfaces in the molded part, because the carbon nanotubes have oriented though the composite and have become integrated in the composite and aggregated at the mold wall. Integration of carbon nanotubes with polymers can include linking the carbon tube to polymers like co- polyimide species sited in this invention and developed by NASA, nylons, and other suitable linkable polymers. The advantage here is linking to a polymer and then drawing the polymer into a long fibrous structure for strength or porosity manipulation. In cases where strong magnetic fields can be focused like superconductor magnetic fields, the cobalt nanotube can form the mold in sufficient quantities of cobalt or iron carbon nanotubes. The surface of the molded part will be filled and "formed" from the aggregation of cobalt or iron nanotubes and the interior will have the carbon nanotube oriented away from the magnetic field integrated in the polymers. Field manipulation includes dielectric, ultrasonic, electric current, spin casting, thermal gradients, magnetic fields sources from any magnetic field, including induction fields. The mold surface and shape will be determined by the magnetic field shape. Aluminum molds are ideal for this type of application, however other composite molds are being developed that will allow the magnetic field to pass through the field into the composite. Aluminum, magnesium, titanium, irons, and other metals, ceramics, rubber, or glass can be cast with this carbon cobalt (or iron) nanotube in a magnetic oriented field. Water conduction through the hydrophobic channel of a carbon nanotube provides an adsorbent material enhancement and substantial increase in surface area adsorbates can adsorb onto. In one example, confinement of matter on the nanometer scale can induce phase transitions not seen in bulk systems. In the case of water, so-called drying transitions occur on this scale as a result of strong hydrogen-bonding between water molecules, which can cause the liquid to recede from nonpolar surfaces to form a vapor layer separating the bulk phase from the surface. Molecular dynamics simulations show spontaneous and continuous filling of a nonpolar carbon nanotube with a one- dimensionally ordered chain of water molecules. Although the molecules forming the chain are in chemical and thermal equilibrium with the surrounding bath, pulse-like transmission of water through the nanotube occurs. These transmission bursts result from the tight hydrogen-bonding network inside the tube, which ensures that density fluctuations in the surrounding bath lead to concerted and rapid motion along the tube axis. A minute reduction in the attraction between the tube wall and water dramatically affects pore hydration, leading to shaφ, two-state transitions between empty and filled states on a nanosecond timescale. This invention teaches that carbon nanotubes, with their rigid nonpolar structures, are molecular channels for water and protons, with the channel occupancy and conductivity tunable by changes in the local channel polarity and solvent conditions. Further these carbon nanotubes deposited on the surface of a carbon fiber monolith or carbon foam monolith dan be tuned in bulk for high volume adsoφtion and desoφtion of gas and fine tuned in mass adsorbate volume displacement through the electric energy, and its polarity across the monolithic structure. This invention teaches carbon nanotubes deposited in or on molecular sieves or minerals providing an attraction or two-state transition of adsorbates. A super critical fluid MuCell microcellular process is the preferred foam for tessellation or hexagon building material, because it can be foamed out of virtually any polymer at any density, and filled with a voluminous number of fillers like carbon fibers, glass fibers, ground glass, wood fibers, zeolite - silica (UOP) and other minerals. A microcellular thermoplastic foam technology was invented at Massachusetts Institute of Technology is being commercialized by Trexel of Wobern, Massachusetts. The innovative new process uses high-cell nucleation rates within the foaming material to create foams with small, evenly distributed and uniformly sized cells (generally 5-50 micron in diameter). Trexel claims have been validated that the foam materials produced by this process, called MuCell®, have properties and uniformity superior to conventionally foamed products. MuCell uses Super Critical Fluids (SFCs) of atmospheric gases to create evenly distributed and uniformly sized microscopic cells throughout the polymer. It's suitable for structural-foam molding, as well as other injection-molding applications, blow molding, and extrusion, and does not require chemical blowing agents, hydrocarbon-based physical blowing agents, nucleating agents, or reactive components.

MuCell process enables molders to foam materials that cannot be foamed successfully with conventional technologies, such as high-temperature sulftones, polyertherimides, liquid-crystal polymers, and thermoplastic elastomers such as high- temperature elastomers such as Kraton® and Santoprene®, and realize a 20-50% weight reduction and a reduction in Shore A hardness®. Some polymers can be reduced in weight by 93% and others 9%. There is a wide range of materials that will seal in the small molecule of helium into closed MuCell cells of a polymer.

MuCell microcellular foam process follows four basic steps: 1. GAS DISSOLUTION: A supercritical fluid (SCF) of an atmospheric gas is injected into the polymer through the barrel to form a single-phase solution. The super critical fluid delivery system, screw, and injectors design for the MuCell process allow for the rapid dissolution rate required. This invention teaches a helium gas to produce a buoyant material. 2. NUCLEATION: A large number of nucleation sites are formed (orders of magnitude more than with conventional foaming processes) where controlled cell growth occurs. A large and rapid pressure drop is necessary to create the large number of uniform sites. 3. CELL GROWTH: Cells are expanded by diffusion of gas into bubbles. This invention teaches helium gas diffusion. Processing conditions provide the pressure and temperature necessary to control cell growth 4. SHAPING: Any shaped mold design controls part shape. This invention teaches using polymers that will trap helium permanently. For example, a choice is polycarbonate and combinations of the above-mentioned polymers as well as other polymers. Hydrogen gas can be injected into the foam, but will ignite and this has function where it is desirable to destroy high altitude weather balloons for example. Phosphors can also be introduces into the cells in a controlled manor to provide extruded flat panels TV's or monitors. Mineral fills can be applied to this invention. Minerals like bentonite can be used as fill in this material. This invention teaches a bentonite component montmorillonite, where the mineral is modified to integrate to the polymer and later adsorbs moisture in some application as well as just act as a very uniform filler. This invention teaches montmorillinite is the preferred material because it naturally forms a "T" bond from its high negative and positive charge, cat ion sites. The very flat mineral is one of the best "modified" custom minerals, because it has such a high exposed surface area to modify to bond to the polymer in a very uniform or surface coating. This invention teaches a modification of montoiorillinite where the montmorillinite forms on the wall of the mold in one case and uniformly integrated within MuCell in the other case. Minerals and other metals will combine with montmorillinite. Moisture is the biggest layer on montmorillinite and when injecting polymers with water- saturated montmorillinite (bentonite family of minerals) under the MuCell process the water steams through the polymer structurally reticulating the foam. This produces reticulated foam. Montmorillinite can be viewed as the carrier mineral of a range of other "agents" into the MuCell process. This invention teaches that polymer binders of zeolite molecular sieves can be produced under MuCell's process providing foamed zeolites with increased surface area multiples more than current pellets provide much larger monoliths can be "foamed" with the same effective surface area as thousands of pellets. This type of foam can be cast into hexagons and used for "transpiration" cooling of a building, where the moisture draws the heated molecules out of the building keeping the building cool or frozen, which is dependent on the rate. Carbon nanotubes can enhance the rate of transpiration cooling and be tuned by the electric potential placed on the carbon nanotube electrically or by the potential of the mineral or substrate attached to.

Referring again to FIGURE 1, the foam 3 can be manufactured from many different substances, including but not limited to neoprene, hypalon, vinyl nitrile, nitrile, (NBR), epichlorohydrin, or urethane foam. Closed cell foam is manufactured in several densities. The more air or gas pressure applied during the foaming process, the more or less dense the foam becomes as a final product. Nitrogen gas is typically applied to the gas to make closed cell foam, because trapping nitrogen in the closed cell foam rather than air reduces oxidation. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nitrogen is replaced with helium, producing a new neoprene closed cell helium material. In the present invention helium gas (or another suitable lightweight gas or gas mixture) is used to form closed cell foam, trapping the lightweight gas in the closed cells.

The present invention advantageously traps helium in the closed cells to produce foam that will float in the air. The foam density is determined by the pressure of gas volume applied to the foaming process and can be very dense or of very low density (to the point of being extremely fragile). The mole weight of helium is 0.004. In one atmosphere, one-cubic foot of helium will lift approximately 0.0646 pounds off the ground. Each engineering project utilizing this invention will determine the requisite helium foam density based on strength and lift requirements. Applications designed to encounter only low levels of stress (such as telecommunications or high atmospheric satellite broadcast and transmission systems) use very low-density fragile foam, because the equipment is installed only once, and with very minimal handling or need of impact resistance. In contrast, a personal aiφlane will be higher density foam for strength, because of landing impact and frequent human handling. Helium closed cell foam can be shaped into a hexagon building structures 7, as shown in FIGURE 1. The closed multi-cell material can form many small shapes, including but not limited to tubes, squares, triangle polygons, hexagons, honeycombs, and other shapes, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, loose beads filled with helium are packed in the cavities (like existing aircraft voids) or in hexagon building structures that are specifically engineered to have cavities to hold these beads or relatively small bladders. Multiple balloons are contemplated as well. NASA Dr. Ruth Pater in Langley/NASA material labs has invented RP46 and RP50 that reduce the cost of polyimide substantially while providing a polyimide with increased temperature and injection molding process, including super critical fluid injection methods. These RP46 and RP50 polymers are the preferred low cost method of injection molding polyimides.

Any shape helium foam parts can be tooled by molding, machining, extruding, hot knife, wire cutting, saw, and water jet cutting techniques. Future shaping by extrusion, ultrasonic, dielectric, microwave, and lithography, chemical or laser is also possible. Some embodiments of the present invention utilize helium closed cell foams for buoyant aircraft. Many base materials will foam other than neoprene and are applied in alternate embodiments of the present invention. Aluminum foam is a good candidate for aircraft. Indeed, many metals can be foam manufactured in accordance with the present invention, such as titanium. Flexible foams are also available and are considered good species of foam for helium. Cobalt carbon nanotubes can be placed in aluminum foams and carbon foams to increase conductivity and strength.

FIGURE 20 - 23 illustrates the preferred hexagonal shaft joint fastener 300 with a threaded ratchet head 302 mating to a hexagon fastener ratchet seat 308 and 309. FIGURE 21 illustrates a perspective close exploded view of a hexagon 311 with the male hexagonal shaft fastener 300 of FIGURE 20 aligned with the hexagonal molded hole 307 of FIGURE 21. FIGURE 23 illustrates a perspective view of all six hexagonal ratchet fastener seats 308. Male hexagonal shaft joint fasteners 303 are inserted through hexagonal molded holes 307 until head 301 is seated on seat 308. Seat 308 is strengthened by untangled cobalt carbon nanotubes 400. Nanotubes 400 have a cobalt or iron head 401. Figure 22 and 23 provide tangled cobalt nanotubes 402 with cobalt ends 403. FIGURE 23 provides magnets 405 and 406 to pull the carbon nanotubes to the hexagon point for increased nanotube density for increased strength. It is well known in the art that carbon fibers are good fill material in composites for increasing strength. This invention teaches how to increase density and alignment by using magnetic fields. Even the small closed copolyimide spheres could be filled with this cobalt nanotube material to increase strength or orientation. Seat 308 nanotube density is related directly to the number of nanotubes in the polymer (or cobalt carbon nanotubes could be placed in the mold prior to injection of polymer) and the magnetic field strength to pull and hold the cobalt nanotube in locations desired. This invention provides cobalt nanotubes on the edges of the fasteners and points for increased strength, but magnetic fields could be used to move the carbon fibers more centrally within the composite or polymer materials. Magnetic flux field densities can be manipulated to move the cobalt nanotubes in virtually any location within the composite. Female threaded head 302 is rotated freely on threads 304, until ratchet 305 contact mating ratchet 309. A spanner wrench is inserted into holes 306 to rotate the head down ratcheting 305 and 309 together, until head 302 seats with 308 on hexagon 311, mechanically compressing layers of two or more hexagons. Ratchet surfaces 305 and 309 prevent the fastener from rotating due to structural vibration, securing the building for the life of building. Ratchet surfaces compress and expand, as they are being forced together or withdrawn by force rotating the head 302. Male fasteners 303 are inserted from the outside, which is the long shaft 303, and cannot rotate out, because of the hexagonal shaft 303 and mating hexagonal hole 307 prevents rotation. Hexagonal shaft 303 has a raised bump 303a to hold the fastener in the hexagon making assembly easier. These raised bumps can be put in numerous locations to pressure hold the hexagonal shaft in the hexagon during assembly. This is a tamper proof fastener that cannot be rotated. People can feel secure within the wall side facing head 302 fasteners. Since its 1998 introduction, Radiance, an interior paint manufactured by ChemRex of Shakopee, Minnesota, has gained widespread attention as radiant-barrier paint for gypsum-board walls and ceilings, masonry and metal surfaces, and attic and roof decking. The physics behind Radiance are similar to low-e glass windows. In winter, more than 30 to 50 percent of an interior's radiant heat, which would normally escape, is reflected back when walls or roof decking are painted with Radiance. In summer, the low-e paint slows heat gains by keeping 30 to 50 percent of the sun's infrared energy out of the building. The paint can reduce heating and cooling costs up to 20 percent. This technology originated in the public sector after scientists painted it on army tanks to keep radiant heat inside, helping the tanks elude heat-seeking missiles. Low-e interior paint works because it contains microscopic reflective particles suspended in an infrared transparent matrix binder. Radiance applies and appears like any common paint, and comes in 70 shades, although the "e" value is compromised by dark colors. This invention teaches a novel use of these radiant reflective particles providing thermal management of a multi payer wall. These microscopic reflective particles suspended in an infrared transparent matrix binder can be coated on the finished hexagon building block (or other layered wall systems) so that some wall sections absorb heat transferring heat in or out of the house and other section are strategically placed to reflect the heat. Insertion of thermal climate control products are enhanced in this wall system by this regional placement of the reflective materials. These microscopic reflective particles suspended in an infrared transparent matrix binder can be integrated to polyimides as well as other polymers, composites, and metals like aluminum foams.

FIGURE 26 is an illustration of hexagon building blocks 1000 injection molded with isosceles triangle male patterns 1001 and female isosceles triangle pattern 1002. Hexagons measure 1 -meter (m) flat-to-flat and when two hexagons are assembled the thickness is 150-millimeters (mm). It is understood that any size can be made with any material. Every other isosceles triangle pattern on hexagon 1000 has pattern 1001 and pattern 1002, three each for each hexagon. 50-centimeter (cm) diameter tube 1003 is inserted into hole 1004 after hexagons are assembled onto each other. In FIGURE 26 triangle pattern 1001 and 1002 are assembled onto each other male to female patterns providing an aligned hole 1004 for tube 1003 insertion. Alignment hole 1004 is also an isosceles triangle formed by the three triangle coordinate points aligned on the midpoints of each flat edge of the hexagon. Two triangles are formed and rotated; offset one flat edge forming six tubes all in the same plane and coordinate points relative to rotating the hexagon around six equal times. These holes 1004 align to assembled hexagons and form straight hexagon conduit throughout a wall hexagon assembly. Hexagons can be molded (or cut) along the points or flat edges dividing the hexagon in half that when assembled form flat wall edges. These hexagons can have thermal materials, water maker adsorbents, inserted in-between the wall or in the conduits. The polymers of the hexagon can be made of zeolites or other adsorbents, including any fill materials. NASA/Langley polyimides can be foamed and when burned convert to CO₂ and H₂O meeting any fire code. These same polyimides can provide the base material for a wide range of fill materials, PZT Pezos- electric (magnetic field shielding), microscopic reflective particles suspended in an infrared transparent matrix binder, and a wide range of gases can be inserted into the foam, like argon, helium, nitrogen. NASA invented RP46 and 50 polyimides make aluminum foaming possible and provide the base material to substitute the air used to foam with pyrolytic phase change salts to fill the closed cells with a thermal management material. The heat pump in FIGURE 9 and FIGURE 28 are tooled to insert into these hexagon for climate control.

Water makers are formed from these hexagon assemblies when the optional adsorbent materials are applied in the hexagon wall. Nighttime air moisture is adsorbed by the adsorbents and the daytime heat desorbs the adsorbent (water) from the wall.

FIGURE 27 is a rotated illustration of hexagon building blocks in FIGURE 26 injection molded with carbon nanotube polymers in an isosceles triangle attachment arrangement. Optional double sided hexagon patterns can be provided on hexagons so any number of wall layers can be assembled. It is preferred that he last hexagon be a flat surface in the case where a finish wall is provided. Conduit hole 1004 can also be assembled around a frame structure of tubing connected. Tubing 1003 is connected to tubing to form corners, roofs, floors, and wall structure. The tubing frame alone would provide the outline of the final wall assemble. Liquids can be passed from the grounds to through this tubing to cool or heat the assemble of tubes and hexagons. Magnetic material insertions can be placed into the hexagons to make a magnetic levitation train track invented by Magna Force of Port Angeles Washington. Magna Force proprietary magnetic field can be inserted into hexagon tubes 1004 or mounted onto the hexablock for a ready made track surface. Sensors, electric switching and general wiring can be inserted into the hole 1004. Flexible cables can be inserted into hole 1004 to make suspended walls, floors, roof, bridges, and climbing walls for athletic facilities.

FIGURE 24 is a dimension of a cobalt or iron carbon nanotube, but not limited to that range. Eddy currents can also move the nanotube locations by layering conductor and magnetic fields.

Bentonite is a natural mined mineral that has an adsoφtion of water 100 layers thick on its surface. This mineral is used in paper form and paint form to seal. Carbon nanotubes can be grown on the bentonite (montmorillinite) individual mineral platelet by providing a seed metal on the mineral or using a mineral with natural carbon nanotube "seed" materials. A modified mineral is preferred for predictability and nickel is a candidate. One or several nanotubes could be grown through NanoLab chemical deposition methods terminating the length by cobalt or iron. These montmorillinite with carbon nanotubes will be movable magnetically and the typical layers that montmorillinite forms of water will be separated to a specific distance by cobalt or iron nanotube termination lengths. Montmorillinite can have carbon nanotubes on the edges or plane surface.

The present invention allows common tessellations to be integrated with tube bundles in order to make heat exchangers in a larger number of geometries, ranging from flat radiator-like devices to flat plane-type heat exchangers. The tubes can be extruded shapes like squares, triangles, hexagons, polygons or other shapes, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Tubes groves can be cut along the plane of these- hexagons to make flat plane oriented heat exchangers for floors, walls, working surfaces, and other industrial cooling systems like refrigeration beds. These tube groves in FIGURE 23 increases structural stability by preventing hexagons from shifting in the plane direction. Some heat exchanger materials like reticulated aluminum foam can be compressed onto the surface of tube insertions, which may have corrugated surfaces holding the tube and hexagon in rigid location. A further drawback of current adsorbent batch systems is that the capacity of the adsorbent bed has to be matched to the volume of working substance. If the adsorbent capacity is too low, the adsorbent bed size has to be increased, or increased capacity can be gained by adding more beds. Further, adsorbents can become saturated while there is still working substance in presence of the bed, preventing the separated gas from being pure. This is inefficient because the adsorbent must be recharged more often than it would if each gas specific zeolite could be added to the air source and then removed from the gas source instantly after absoφtion. If the adsorbent capacity needs to be high in a dense transportable system, the adsorbent vessel is larger than necessary and therefore unusable. Desoφtion from zeolite powders shows no hysteresis. The absoφtion and desoφtion are completely reversible. However, with pellet zeolite material some further absoφtion may occur at pressures near the saturation vapor pressure, through condensation of liquid in the pellet voids external to the zeolite crystals. Hysteresis may occur on disrobing this macro-port adsorbent. One drawback of the prior art (and devices described above) is that the zeolite is stationary in a bed, inherently requiring several vessels to separate several molecules in a batch process. Such zeolite gas separation systems inherently need to have several zeolite beds. Another drawback of the prior art devices described above, is that the zeolite beds have to be heated. The more absoφtion capacity that is needed, the larger the bed and heated area have to become. Heat is lost in the high surface area of the bed vessel housing. Further, heat has to be applied to activate the bed. This heating in the presence of the working fluid can chemically change the working fluid. This increased surface area is inefficient. A small separate heated area is more desirable. There is a continuing need in the art for an adsorbent that can be separated rapidly from the source working fluid and then heated separately for desoφtion as well as cooled to prepare for the potential of absoφtion, before it is reentered into the working gas or fluid.

A further drawback of the prior art, is that adsorbents do not float or suspend in a fluid in a controlled manner. It is desirable to have several types of controllable zeolite, one that floats on the surface of fluid or gas, one that suspends in solution, or gas, and one that sinks to the bottom of the adsorbent vessel.

Yet a further drawback of the prior art, is that the stationary adsorbent beds require that the working fluid be moved rather than the adsorbent. Remaining residue from the fluid, after absoφtion, has to be moved from the bed. This fluid can be hazardous. It is desirable to remove the adsorbent from the residue so other chemical processing can occur in the residue without the adsorbent present. There is a continuing need in the art for the rapid removal of adsorbents, so that the volume and rate of the work can be increased. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is directed towards molecular separators (magnetoadsorbents) that employ an absoφtion material composition that uses magnetic fields to move adsorbent materials to different locations in a system requiring adsorbents. Magnetoadsorbents include soft magnetic materials (e.g., ferritic alloy metals) that are bonded to adsorbents such as zeolites, carbon fibers or foam, with binders that keep the active part of the adsorbents open for absoφtion. Magnetic fields can attract the ferritic metals bonded to adsorbents. Different metals can be combined with different adsorbents with binders to provide different functions. Magnetic characteristics of the magnetoadsorbents of the present invention are capable of adsorbing a selected molecule in a continuous process instantly separating a mixture of molecules. Magnetic fields are used to attract saturated adsorbents of magnetoadsorbents from a working substance in the solid phase as well as the liquid phase. The present invention provides a further improvement over the prior art because the amount of adsorbent material increases or decreases during processing and the location of the adsorbent can be moved from the absoφtion vessel to the desoφtion vessel as part of the continuous process within the molecular sieve apparatus. In another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, floating and suspending materials are added to the binders that bind the metals to the adsorbents. Many materials are satisfactory for this puφose that float, suspend or sink. Completely coating adsorbent materials and trapping air in the adsorbents provides floating adsorbents. Different air volumes are also trapped to make the adsorbent float or suspend.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the conduit between the first and second vessels contains a turbine. The turbine is coupled to a power transmission device outside the conduit such that when water diluted hydrogen peroxide is passed into an intake conduit it substantially separates the water from the hydrogen peroxide stream by water absoφtion into a water adsorbent. The high concentration of hydrogen peroxide then passes through a catalyst bed that chemically changes the hydrogen peroxide into steam (of approximately 600°C) and oxygen. The heat in the steam regenerates the zeolite powder at the same time it rotates the rotor of the turbine generating power, which is transmitted to the power transmission device. The air stream containing zeolite dust, water vapor, and oxygen passes through an air stream reverse rotation moisture separator returning dry zeolite dust to the intake conduit and centrifugalfy collects the water into a separate drain. This process continuously recycles the magnetoadsorbent or an adsorbent dust alone.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a separator device is connected in fluid communication with the conduit of a fuel cell that converts hydrogen and oxygen to water generating electricity. The zeolite powder will be passed in the air stream to deliver oxygen and hydrogen to the cell membrane and then remove the water from the wastewater side of the fuel cell. Three species of adsorbents can be applied in the magnetoadsorbent, each can be contained within a closed loop of their own to deliver and adsorb each the above molecules.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the first vessel and separator device are coupled to a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell. The adsorbent material in the first vessel draws water from the fuel cell, thereby cooling the cell and improving the fuel cell efficiency. The separator device may be used to remove a portion of the water passing out of the fuel ceE to delay the point at which the first vessel must be desorbed.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the absoφtion has previously been employed to separate molecules from a mixture of molecules. Absoφtion is a process that utilizes the natural affinity certain adsorbent materials have for adsorbates. A typical absoφtion cycle employing absoφtion includes two phases. During one phase, the dried or charged adsorbent material is exposed to a liquid adsorbate. The affinity the adsorbent has for the adsorbate causes the adsorbate to enter a vapor state as it is attracted to the adsorbent. The conversion of the adsorbate from a liquid state to a vapor state is an endothermic reaction, which extracts heat from the environment surrounding the liquid, and therefore cools the environment and heats the adsorbent. During the second phase, additional heat is supplied to the adsorbent to expel or desorb the adsorbed vapor, thereby recharging the adsorbent. The desorbed vapor is condensed and cooled, and the two-phase cycle is repeated. In another embodiment of the present invention, a separator device is connected in fluid communication with the conduit between the first and second vessels. The separator removes a part of the working substance, which passes from the second vessel to the first during absoφtion. The part of the working substance removed by the separator may be returned to the second vessel for another cycle without requiring the first vessel to be heated. The separator device therefore delays the point at which the first vessel is heated to desorb the working substance.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the adsorbent material may include a carbon fiber material. Carbon fiber and carbon foam can be attached to magnetic alloys. Carbon materials like carbon foam mentioned above, for example, can be foamed with magnetic alloys in the foam. This carbon foam has a low-density highly conductive surface area making it one of the most thermally conductive materials. (Aluminum foam, copper foam, ceramic foam, etc. can be applied as well). Carbon foam magnetoadsorbents can be pulled in and out of fluids cooling the fluid. Carbon foam magnetoadsorbents are easier to obtain a thermal exchange with because they are broken down into movable small pieces that have high surface area exposure and can be applied to remove heat or distribute heat in air-conditioned and heating systems.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, carbon fiber monolith are injected with odorants and electrically desorbed to reproduce smells. These systems are applied to reproduce smells over the Internet and TV signals.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention with an adsorbent bonded to a soft magnetic alloy to form a composite powder;

FIGURE 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the invention in which the composite powder in FIGURE 1 in moved to a magnet source;

FIGURE 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of powder composites being attracted to a magnet source and then released from that magnet source in a deposited area;

FIGURE 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of a conduit system that separated molecules from a stream by adding adsorbents and removing adsorbents from the stream; FIGURE 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention in FIGURE 1 with a material added for added functions like floating;

FIGURE 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of FIGURE 4 with the addition of a turbine on the outlet port of the conduit; FIGURE 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a piezoelectric wafer fixed and attached to a magnet that suspends a soft magnetic alloy within a copper conduit;

FIGURE 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a dry solid film lubricant as the adsorbent bonded by a tough copolyimide to soft magnetic alloy, including a magnet holding the lubricant in place;

FIGURE 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of a refrigeration system including two vacuum vessels and an absoφtion vessel containing electrical swing carbon fiber that is connected by a conduit to a desoφtion vessel containing carbon foam for increased thermal exchange, a conduit system to isolate fluid, and carbon fiber on the cold side exposed to the atmosphere to adsorb moisture from the open air for water collection by electric swing desoφtion;

FIGURE 10 illustrates a perspective view of a carbon fiber bonded to adsorbents;

FIGURE 11 illustrates a perspective view of a carbon fiber in FIGURE 10 bonded to adsorbents with less magnification;

FIGURE 12 illustrates a carbon fiber monolith in FIGURE 11 with odorant supply systems added for odorant distribution for smell reproduction;

FIGURE 13 illustrates a chart of ice sublimation heat spike curves in an empty ice sublimation vessel measured from the inside center of the vessel; FIGURE 14 illustrates a chart of ice sublimation heat spike curves in an empty ice sublimation vessel measured from the outside of the vessel Wall;

FIGURE 15 illustrates a chart of ice sublimation curves without a heat spike measuring carbon foam performance as water is metered through the carbon foam;

FIGURE 16 illustrates a carbon foam mold for casting aluminum foam net shapes; and

FIGURE 17 illustrates a seal less magnetically actuated valve.

FIGURE 18 illustrates a carbon fiber nanotube with magnetic ends attracted to a magnetic field. FIGURE 19 illustrated a carbon fiber nanotube with magnetic ends attached to a magnetic field in a polymer molded component.

FIGURE 20 illustrates a hexagonal shaft fastener with a threaded ratchet head;

FIGURE 21 illustrates a seat with cobalt carbon nanotubes magnetically directed for the assembly of fastener FIGURE 20;

FIGURE 22 illustrates a perspective close exploded view of a hexagon with the hexagonal shaft fastener of FIGURE 20 aligned with the hexagonal molded hole of FIGURE 21 with cobalt carbon nanotubes directionally located by magnetic fields;

FIGURE 23 illustrates a perspective view of all six hexagonal ratchet fastener seat and a corner with tangled carbon nanotubes concentrated where the mold had a magnet pulling the cobalt carbon nanotubes to the edge;

FIGURE 24 is a drawing and table of one carbon nanotubes example;

FIGURE 25 is an illustration of microspheres filled with helium geminately.

FIGURE 26 is an illustration of hexagon building blocks injection molded with carbon nanotube polymers in an isosceles triangle attachment arrangement.

FIGURE 27 is a rotated illustration of hexagon building blocks injection molded with carbon nanotube polymers in an isosceles triangle attachment arrangement.

FIGURE 28 is an illustration of FIGURE 09 refrigeration system in crystal vacuum seal arrangement a tube within a vessel. FIGURE 29 illustrates flux fields joined by carbon nanotube in eddy currents.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

FIGURE 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment magnetic/adsorbent material composition constructed in accordance with the present invention, that facilitates molecular absoφtion and separation using a magnetic field to hold, move, cool, and/or heat an adsorbent that is bonded to magnetic materials that are moveable by a magnetic field. An adsorbent 1 is bonded to a soft magnetic material 3 with a binder 2 into a powder composite material adsorbent that is attractable by a magnetic field. This new composite powder is referred to hereinafter as a magnetoadsorbent 4. In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the materials used to produce the magnetoadsorbents 4 are varied. For example, newly emerging polymer materials that are attracted to magnetic fields and copolyimide-based moldable magnets can be substituted for the soft magnetic material 3. Preferably, the magnetoadsorbent 4 includes adsorbents 1, which are bonded to ferritic metals 3 composed of soft magnetic alloys. The magnetoadsorbent functions to adsorb and desorb working substances, causing a molecular separation; thus, increasing the efficiency of the absoφtion cycle by moving the adsorbent 1 to a location that processes the adsorbent 1 in the most optimized conditions. Magnetic field manipulation of adsorbents 1 provides the ability to deliver molecules to locations within systems.

Magnetoadsorbents 4 of the present invention further increase the efficiency of the absoφtion cycle by combining materials with functions including: catalyst, buoyancy, suspension, magnetic heating, and sinking in liquid. Thus, magnetoadsorbents 4 allow adsorbents 1 to be applied in cycles previously not possible with stationary adsorbents exhibiting simple entropy, if dipped and saturated in a solution.

Some soft magnet alloys can be magnetically attracted very easily, while non- ferritic metals like copper or aluminum do not attract to a stationary magnetic field. Copper and aluminum will develop a magnetic field, if moved relative to a magnetic field at an eddy current generating velocity. Copper in the presence of a magnetic field could be held or relocated by the eddy current effect. Any ferromagnetic material like gadolinium or other material, which exhibits a magnetocaloric effect (i.e., which has the property of heating up when placed in a magnetic field and cooling down when removed from the magnetic field) can be applied as the metal bonded to the adsorbent.

The magnetocaloric class of metals heat in the presence of a magnetic field and can eliminate or reduce the need for heating adsorbents by an independent technique. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this class of adsorbent metal compound is being combined with metals that attract magnetically and at the same time desorb the adsorbent with magnetocaloric heat. Several species of magnetocaloric materials that operate at different temperature ranges can be combined in a system to make a cascading type refrigeration cycle effect. All the species of materials referenced herein function in open, or closed systems.

In accordance with the present invention, the adsorbent 1 can be heated anywhere, away from the source adsorbate or gas, and then returned for absoφtion. Thermal chemical reaction will not occur, and catalytic reaction will be easier to manage, since the adsorbent 1 is physically moved from one location to the other by magnetic field controls. Further, in some embodiments the magnetoadsorbents 4 contain catalyst materials, providing a catalyst that can be added to start a chemical reaction and then substantially removed. Some catalyst reactions need an even distribution of catalyst and this technology can provide an aggregate effect, gathering density, or a uniform effect by magnetic field application. Prior art does not teach uniform gradient or thermal processing.

The binder 2 is selected for thermal cycling and compatibility with the adsorbent 1, keeping the adsorbent sieve open to absoφtion yet adhered to the metal powder. The size of these powder clusters are varied and sieved through a set of physical screens to sort the sizes. Powder clusters of different sizes are provided; a large cluster for water, and smaller clusters for carbon dioxide. All these clusters can be mixed together and later sieved through screens to separate the water from the carbon dioxide based on the physical size of the magnetoadsorbent. Carbon nanotubes are the smallest possible magnetoadsorbent and most will pass through screens. Magnets have to be used to rapidly remove or sieve nanotubes from stream.

Preferably, adsorbents 1 and ferritic metals 3 are bonded by a tough, soluble, and aromatic thermoplastic copolyimide (as described in Patent No. 5,639,850 to R. Bryant, incoφorated herein by reference). The thermoplastic copolyimide is relatively a new material, but is more resistant to attrition than current bonding materials for zeolites such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or aluminum phosphate. The adsorbents can be grown directly onto the magnetic materials; bonding, without additional binders that might be organic based, and swells in the presence of some solvents. Economic soft magnetic ferritic metal alloys include silicon iron at 22 kilogauss, carbon iron at 20 kilogauss, chromium iron (commercially referred to as ferritic stainless steel at 15 kilogauss), and aluminum iron. The current most attractable metal is Hiperco 50 (manufactured by Caφenter Steel a Division of Caφenter Technology, 101 West Bern Street, Reading, PA 19601, U.S.A) composed of 48% cobalt, 50% iron, 2% Vanadium, providing the highest magnetic saturation 24 kilogauss. All these metals can be atomized into powder metals and sorted for the smallest powder sizes. Hiperco 50 magnetizes and demagnetizes in the shortest time frame. Most soft magnetic alloys will take excursion temperatures in the range of 750° F. Ferritic stainless steel is rust resistant and makes the best choice for water applications or other liquid, gas, and vapor working substances that induce rust. Iron powder or magnetic particles are preferred when adsorbents can be grown around the particle to prevent corrosion. Referring now to FIGURE 2, lηagnetoadsorbents 4 are in the presence of a magnetic source 5. Preferably, the magnet source 5 is an electromagnet, a series of electromagnets that pulse in a progression that moves the magnetoadsorbent, a permanent magnet, a superconductor, or any other magnetic field source. Magnetoadsorbents 4 are attracted to the magnet source 5. FIGURE 2 shows the process of magnetic attraction only partially finished. A portion of magnetoadsorbents 4 are contacting the magnet source 5 and a portion of magnetoadsorbents 4 are still moving toward the magnet source 5. This process would normally take a second or less to complete. The thickness of the fluid will vary the kinetic rate of magnetic attraction in a fluid. These magnetoadsorbents 4 are used to apply materials by adsorbing a selected molecule in a fluid that adsorbs other fluids, or that mix with other fluids. A carrier fluid can be used to apply the selected molecule to a final destination.

A one preferred embodiment of the present invention, magnetoadsorbents 4 are used to apply phosphorus in flat TV screens (manufactured by Candescent Technologies Coφoration 6320 San Ignacio Ave. San Jose, CA 95119). Magnetoadsorbents 4 are also used to clean moisture out of electronic devices that are required to be maintained as physically close as possible to completely dry. In another aspect of the present invention co-polyimides (incoφorated be reference above) replace polyimides for binding phosphorus to the screen and reducing outgasing. The co-polyimides are photo-imageable as the polyimide to pattern the phosphorus. Phosphorus is placed in polyimide micro spheres that are transparent making the overall vacuum in the system insignificant relative to phosphorus potential outgas and moisture damage. Phosphorus filled micro-sphere are going to maintain clarity for the life of the product. High integrity high strength low cost TV screens are possible with this novel invention. Reflective one-step polyimide materials can be partially coated on any of the inner or outer parts of the sphere to obtain the optimal visual brilliance. Small magnets can be embedded into the sphere to maintain its location and form an array of sphere against matching magnetic particles is attached to spheres. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, the polyamic acid in the co- polyimide is modified to make photo-imageable polyimides.

Moisture in electronic manufacturing collects other gases and dirt, including the prevention of nano (microscopic) circuits from being applied successfully with minimum error. In accordance with the present invention, magnetoadsorbents 4 are dropped onto these types of circuits and structures and then removed minimizing moisture exposure. Solvents like DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) collect moisture and require removal by dipping magnetoadsorbent into the solvent and removing by magnetic manipulation. The material will be integrated into the circuits replacing other adsorbents that are present to adsorb outgasing gases from other needed structures within the electronic components.

In another preferred embodiment, magnetoadsorbents 4 of the magnetocaloricz type heat in the presence of a magnetic field and are used to localize the heat of desoφtion just prior to pulling a vacuum on a TV screen. Only the magnetocaloricz materials will heat in a localized point preventing damage from occurring to thermally sensitive electronic components. The biotechnology field has the same problem delivering the molecules in the correct quantity and selecting out pathogens that later can be harvested for selected molecules. In biotech manufacturing processes the selection of molecules and pathogens are growing on or selecting the remains of a metabolic process is useful in precisely processing, "taxiing" out molecules or pathogens. Magnetoadsorbent 4 molecular separation occurs as a chemical change in a batch that matures; thus, turning a batch process into a continuous process. By employing the present invention, target organisms or molecules are selected and removed. Additionally, cancer tumors are loaded with magnetocaloricz to heat only the cancer or tumor cells, as well as freeze biomass if needed.

The use of the magnetocaloricz depends on the application. In specific applications of the present invention, the adsorbent 1 in the magnetoadsorbent 4 is replaced (or used in conjunction) with a biological binder specific to biological target cells or tissue. In this scenario the target cells are cancer. Biological binder specific magnetoadsorbent 4 are applicable to plants as well. An addition value of these small 3 to 7 micron sized nano-magnetoadsorbent particles is that they are injectable into the blood and are magnetically removable.

Referring now to FIGURE 3, magnetoadsorbent 4 are attracted to a magnetic source 6, which includes a magnet source 5 and a spinning wheel 9 that provides relocation of the magnetoadsorbent 4 from the gathering magnetic region 7 to the nonmagnetic region 8 where the magnetoadsorbent 4 is deposited for desoφtion. The magnetic field attracts and holds magnetoadsorbent 4 to the wheel 9 until the wheel 9 moves magnetoadsorbent 4 into the non-magnetic region 8 for release. Wheel 9 can be replaced by dipping a magnet into gas vapor, or liquid, a long conveyer system that has magnetic source 5 at its end, or any other apparatus that attracts and transports the magnetoadsorbents 4.

In accordance with the present invention, saltwater desalination is achieved by depositing magnetoadsorbents 4 into saltwater, and then magnetically removing the water saturated magnetoadsorbents 4. The saltwater passing out of the system has a higher mineral density. A preferred magnetoadsorbent 4 is approximately 40 percent iron, 35 percent silicon oxide, 20 percent aluminum oxide (non-fibrous), 15 percent sodium oxide, 10 percent potassium oxide, 5 percent magnesium oxide, and 2 percent quartz. Preheated magnetoadsorbent 4 with this high iron content provides a substantial increase in desalination when dropped in saltwater heated. Zeolite materials substantially protect the iron from oxidizing. A very tight zeolite can be modified, as well as other types referenced in this patent. In addition, the magnetocaloricz class of metals heat in the presence of a magnetic field and are important in desalination to desorb the adsorbent economically.

FIGURE 4 shows conduit 10 with inlet port 11 and outlet port 12. Salt water fluid 13 is moving through the conduit 10 marked by arrow 14. In this embodiment, the magnetoadsorbent 4 is made from a water adsorbent 1 bonded to ferritic stainless steel powder 3. Magnetoadsorbent 4 is deposited into the inlet port 11 mixing with the fluid adsorbing water from the saltwater. As the fluids 13 move down the conduit 10 the magnetoadsorbent 4 becomes saturated with water just before passing outlet port 12. Outlet port 12 includes a magnet source 5 and wheel 9. The magnet source 5 attracts the magnetoadsorbent 4 to the outlet port 12, removing magnetoadsorbent 4, substantially saturated with only water. Magnetoadsorbent 4 is then heated outside the conduit in a chamber (not shown), to heat the water with heat source 16, and then return the magnetoadsorbent 4 to the inlet port 11, to start the cycle all over again. The saltwater passing outlet port 12 has a higher mineral density.

In FIGURE 4, a fluid cycling moving between an absoφtion phase and desoφtion phase is shown. In the desoφtion phase, the heat source 16 is activated and heats magnetoadsorbent 4, causing any liquid working substance contained in the magnetoadsorbent 4 to vaporize. The working substance vapor passes from the magnetoadsorbent 4, through conduit 17 and then into the condensate vessel 18 where it condenses, forming a pool of liquid working substance 19. In one embodiment, where the working substance is water, the adsorbent vessel is heated to a temperature up to 500°F to desorb the working substance water vapor from magnetoadsorbent 4. Other temperatures are possible as well, depending upon the component characteristics of the magnetoadsorbent 4. Referring now to FIGURE 5, a magnetoadsorbent 4 of the present invention is shown with a material 20 added for functions like floating. This illustrates how a material is added to magnetoadsorbent 4 to add an additional function. Additions are made up to the size of current pellets, beads, and other shapes. The overall function would be the same. In this preferred embodiment of the present invention the magnetoadsorbents 4 are constructed to float. In this embodiment a portion of the adsorbent 1 still needs to be exposed through the binder for absoφtion of a liquid, gas, or vapor. In a device where cooling is desired a floating adsorbent 1 that is magnetic will remove the latent heat from the water, because the adsorbent removes the most polarized water molecules first which are the heated molecules. A magnetic field is applied to remove the adsorbent 1 with the latent heat in the adsorbent 1, leaving an ice or cooled water behind. When the water has a great volume it is desirable to have adsorbent 1 at the bottom of the vessel, in a suspension, and at the surface to collect the heated molecules at all the levels in the water. This instant cooling effect in the water is to be used in refrigeration or climate control systems. This cooling system has the advantage of being in an open or closed system and fast cycling. This is a near instant process and will not work, if heat adsoφtion is allowed to take place within the depth of fluid. The speed at which the magnetoadsorbent can be removed is the important phase.

Referring now to FIGURE 6, an embodiment of the present invention of FIGURE 4 is shown with the addition of a turbine on the outlet port of the conduit. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fluids 13 are a water-diluted hydrogen peroxide and serve as a separation system. On the end of conduit 10 past outlet 12, a catalyst bed 24 or bi-propellant addition is added to convert the hydrogen peroxide to hot steam and oxygen. (The catalyst 24 could be of the type developed by the U.S. Navy Air Systems Warfare research at China Lake California.) The hot steam is moved through heat source 16 for disrobing magnetoadsorbents 4. Once a chemical reaction occurs, zeolite dust can be the sole technique of adsorbing the water. When the steam and hot dry zeolite pass through the heat source 21 a reverse rotation component 26 (like air compressors used to separate water from intake air) is applied to separate the water from the air. A turbine 23 is attachable anywhere in the conduit after hydrogen peroxide 13 is converted to steam and oxygen by a catalyst 24. Montmorillinites are coated on all surfaces with which the hydrogen peroxide might be in contact, because it layers over 100 water molecules thick providing a pure chemical barrier between potential conduit or tank walls and the hydrogen peroxide. Montmorillinite can also replace the zeolite powder.

Water diluted hydrogen peroxide can be transported safely in vehicles, if diluted in ratios of 70% water and 30% hydrogen peroxide. This dilution ratio can vary widely based on climate, holding container materials, and water purity. However, before hydrogen peroxide will react with ceramic monolith catalyst beds developed to operate without attrition to chemically convert the hydrogen peroxide into usable fuel (600°C hot steam and oxygen), 92% or greater hydrogen peroxide purity is needed. The hydrogen peroxide needs to be near purity. Hydrogen peroxide purity can be achieved instantly by applying this technology. A catalyst bed or bi-propellant addition is added to chemically change hydrogen peroxide. A turbine is attached anywhere in the conduit after hydrogen peroxide is chemically changed to steam and oxygen. Cold water can also be added to control the steam pressure within mechanically safe limits.

In the present invention, the preferred turbine is a MICRO TURBINE™ (manufacture by the Capstone Turbine Company in Connecticut, U.S.A.). When water diluted hydrogen peroxide 13 is passed into an intake conduit 12 it substantially separates the water from the hydrogen peroxide by water absoφtion into a magnetoadsorbent 4. The high concentration of hydrogen peroxide then passes through a catalyst bed 24 that chemically changes the hydrogen peroxide into 600°C steam and oxygen in turbine preheating section 23. The heat in the steam regenerates (dries) the zeolite powder at the same time it rotates the rotor of the turbine generating power.

The air stream containing zeolite dust, water vapor, and oxygen passes through conduit 25 and through an air stream reverse rotation moisture separator 26 returning dry zeolite dust or montmorillinite to the intake conduit 12 and centrifugally collects the water into a separate chamber 18 from conduit 25. The separator 26 extracts at least a part of the working substance as the working substance passes in a fluid stream conduit 25. The fluid stream contains gases and/or liquids. In one embodiment, the separator 26 is a centrifugal device, such as an Eliminex® separator (manufactured by Reading Technologies, Inc. in Reading, Pennsylvania), though in other embodiments, other separator devices may be used.

In the preferred embodiment, the separator 26 has a substantially circular cross- sectional shape. The fluid stream, which includes the working substance vapor, enters the through the conduit 25 tangentially and swirls downward in an arcuate path toward a liquid collection port. As the stream swirls, working substance vapor is centrifugally forced outward so as to collect in the form of droplets on the inner wall of the separator 26. The droplets run down the wall to the liquid collection port. The oxygen rich stream can be ignited in the turbine chamber 22 associated with combustion, if required. Other fuels are injectable in the oxygen rich gas through injector 22. This process continuously recycles the magnetoadsorbent or an adsorbent dust alone depending on the turbine size. Carbon fiber micro-tubes can be used as molecular sieves separating water from the hydrogen peroxide; however, the water still needs to be moved.

Once there is a chemical reaction zeolite (or other adsorbents) dust can be the sole manner of adsorbing the water. When the steam contacts the water-saturated zeolite, the zeolite desorbs and passes through a reverse rotation component (like air compressors use to separate water from intake air) separating the dry zeolite dust from the water in the air stream. In this embodiment of the present invention, magnetic materials are not needed in this turbine system if the turbine is engineered properly. Only an adsorbent powder like zeolite is applied. In this case the heat and airflow of the turbine are enough to dry move and separate the zeolite. Smaller systems as referenced need a magnetic manipulation.

Fuel cells generate energy by combining hydrogen and oxygen. As a byproduct, the fuel cell also generates wastewater in the form of liquid and vapor. Many types of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells exist. Magnetoadsorbents 4 of the present invention are deposited (blown or sputtered) into and removed from the fuel cells wastewater chamber removing wastewater generated by a fuel cell. The water is typically in the form of a warm liquid or a vapor, and by removing the water from the fuel cell, the fuel cell is effectively cooled. As the fuel cell cools, its efficiency is increased, thereby increasing its power output. Furthermore, the magnetoadsorbents 4 increases the efficiency of the membrane typically used in such fuel cells by removing moisture from the membrane. Wastewater on the membrane impedes fuel cell reactions. A further advantage of magnetoadsorbents 4 is that any remaining heat, which is not removed from the fuel cell housing by removing the water therefrom, may be used to supplement disrobing the magnetoadsorbents. This is advantageous for two reasons; increased efficiency of the fuel cell membrane, and reduced power required to cool the fuel cell. Ultrasonic wafers can be integrated as part of the membrane so that when an electric current is applied at certain frequencies the water is ultrasonicaUy driven off the membrane where magnetoadsorbent can then remove the water. This type of wafer moφhing membrane provides the technique of opening and losing the exposure of the membrane to enhance the addition and removal of molecules more efficiently. When voltage is applied to a stack of these unimoφhic wafers alternately reversed to cure against each other at tangents of the curve, an opening between all the membranes form.

The zeolite powder is passed in the air stream to deliver oxygen and hydrogen to the cell membrane and then remove the water from the wastewater side of the fuel cell. Three species of magnetoadsorbents 4 are required to accomplish these functions; an oxygen, hydrogen, and water adsorbent. Each can be contained within a closed loop of their own to deliver and adsorb each of the above molecules. In a further embodiment of the present invention, a water air-stream separator device is connected in fluid communication with the conduit of a fuel cell that separates the water from dry zeolite powder in a reverse rotation air-stream separator.

Water chilling occurs by applying a floating adsorbent 1 that is magnetic. A more aggressive cooling effect occurs when the magnetoadsorbents 4 are cooled before entering the water and are of the magnetocaloric type. Magnetoadsorbents 4 will remove the latent heat from water, because the adsorbent 1 removes the most polarized water molecules first which are the heated molecules. A magnetic field can be applied to remove the adsorbent 1 with the latent heat in it, leaving an ice or cooled water behind_* This instant cooling effect in the water can be used in refrigeration or climate control systems. This cooling system has the advantage of working in an open or closed system and is fast cycling in high volumes. The Magnetoadsorbent can be inserted into the tube magnet referenced in this invention to desorb the closed refrigeration system instantly few seconds). As shown in FIGURE 7, an embodiment of the present invention includes a piezoelectric type wafer driver 28 attached to the corner of fixture 27 and to a magnet source 5 that suspends the magnetic material 3 in the magnetoadsorbent 4 within a copper conduit 10. Fixture 27 is connected to conduit 10. Thin layer composite unimoφh ferroelectric driver 28 (as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,632,841 to Hellbaum et al., incoφorated herein by reference) moves in the direction indicated by arrow 29. This motion occurs when high frequency voltage is applied to the driver 28 vibrating magnet source 5. Preferably, the magnet source 5 is a permanent magnet or electromagnet and the magnetoadsorbent is a rare earth magnet. The motion of a magnet on the outside of the thick copper conduit suspends the magnetoadsorbent 4 in a gas or liquid 13. In a dry state alone the magnetoadsorbent could be uniformly suspended in the conduit by an eddy current effect generated by the moving magnetic field.

As shown in FIGURE 8, another embodiment of the present invention including a dry solid film lubricant 30 as the adsorbent 1 bonded by a tough copolyimide 31 to soft magnetic alloy 32, including a magnet 33 holding the lubricant on a bearing surface 35a. Bearing surface 35b is moving relative to surface 35a in the direction of arrow 36. Solid film 34 can be scuffed off and returns as long as it is in the magnetic field of 33. Extra solid film lubricant is available in an area of the field to replace displaced lubricant 34. In various embodiments of the present invention, any one of the moving bearing surfaces is magnetic and any number of shapes is applicable, such as circular concentric bearing, disk, plate, roller, or ball. These could be added to any magnetic bearing system. A preferred material in the present invention is Ford 25D Solid Film Lubricant 3000 CPS and 30000 CPS (manufactured by Sandstrom Products Company under a license from Ford Motor Company). The Ford lubricant is curable directly onto the soft magnetic alloys. These Ford lubricants adsorb oil and water to dry surfaces and enhance the lubrication qualities of the material. Montmorillinite (bentonite) can be coated on the surface of this Ford material where it is desirable to control water layering on the surface for lubrication or shear resistance and adhesion. Montmorillinite has exactly the same resistance to movement as original specifications providing the water content is the same. Montmorillinite based magnetoadsorbents can form very lubricating surfaces or can be aggregated by magnetic relocation into shear resistant surfaces that have exacting repeatability. Applications are in bearings, power transmissions, and motion translational devices. The capacity of the adsorbent 1 (i.e., the maximum amount of working substance it retains) relative to the amount of working substance in the magnetoadsorbents 4 is an important feature of the present invention. In one preferred embodiment, the adsorbent 1 is MOLSIV Type 13X zeolite, MHSZ-128, or DDZ-70 (manufactured by UOP Inc. of Des Plaines, Illinois) and the working substance is water. In this embodiment, the capacity of the adsorbent 1 is set at a value such that the adsorbent material completely adsorbs water. The adsorbent-to-working-substance ratios and temperatures chosen above were selected to provide the cooling times indicated. Other ratios and temperatures are possible which adsorb and desorb more of the total working substance. Such ratios will reduce the frequency with which the adsorbent material 1 must be desorbed.

As discussed above, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adsorbent 1 is zeolite and the working substance is water. Other working substances and other adsorbent materials, which have an affinity for the working substances, are possible as well. Such working substances include NH3, H2, S, N2, CO2, etc., as well as both fluoro, chloro, and hydrocarbons, and mixtures of the same. These substances have varying affinities for adsorbent materials, as discussed below. Other adsorbent materials include molecular sieves, silicon gel, activated alumina and other similar sodalite type structures, including powders, pellets, particles, solid forms and gels of the same. Montmorillinites, (bentonites) are a flat platelet material alternative.

The external surface area of the adsorbent molecular sieve crystal is available for absoφtion of molecules of all sizes, whereas, the internal area is available only to molecules small enough to enter the pores. The external area is only about 1% of the total surface area. Materials, which are too large to be adsorbed internally, will commonly be adsorbed externally to the extent of 0.2% to 1% by weight. Molecular sieves are available in a wide variety of types and forms. By choosing the appropriate adsorbent and operating conditions, it is possible to adapt molecular sieves to a number of specific applications. Not only will molecular sieves separate molecules based on size and configuration, but they will also adsorb preferentiaEy based on polarity or degree of unsaturation. In a mixture of molecules smaE enough to enter the pores, the less volatEe, the more polar, or the more unsaturated a molecule, the more tightly it is held within the crystal.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the working fluid is a mixture of carbon dioxide in natural gas. The carbon fiber more easily adsorbs CO2 than the water. Carbon fiber or carbon fiber tubes are the adsorbent 1 in a preferred embodiment shown in FIGURE 1. The carbon fiber is activated for carbon dioxide and forms a fibrous magnetoadsorbent 4 that inherently goes airborne in a gas stream. These magnetoadsorbents 4 are extracted from the natural gas stream by magnetic attraction to magnet source 5. A gas fiberglass or paper filter is used to recover any attrition of fibers. These carbon fibers are positionable magneticaEy in fluid by the eddy current effect.

In stiE another embodiment of the invention, the adsorbent material shown in any of the foregoing FIGURES may include carbon fibers, a network of carbon fibers, or a carbon foam material in addition to or instead of other adsorbent materials such as zeolite. In this regard, suitable materials are avaUable from the U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C, as described in pending U.S. Application No. 08/358,857 to BurcheE et al., filed December 19, 1994, and pending U.S. AppHcation No. 08/601,672 to Judkins et al., filed February 15, 1996 (both incoφorated herein by reference). The chopped carbon fiber (available from Ashland Chemical of Ashland Kentucky) may be activated to have an affinity for water or other working substances, and may be applied as the adsorbent 1 in FIGURE 1. Carbon foam has to be crushed into smaE pieces in order to be properly utUized in smaE sieves. Large geometry structures can be appEed as weE. As previously discussed, preferably, adsorbents and ferritic metals are bonded by a tough, soluble, and aromatic thermoplastic copolyimide (incoφorated by reference above in U.S. Patent No. 5,639,850). Carbon nanotubes need seeds like nickel to start to grow on. Copolyimides of the type in above-mentioned copolyimide patent can link to many metals and therefore are the preferred base material for growing carbon nanotubes. Copolyimides have also been proved to develop thin film circuitry, which is also a circuit path for carbon nanotubes to grow on. Furthermore these copolyimides can be linked to carbon fiber so long linked stranding developed as the carbon nanotube is moved. Circuits can therefore be manufactured by electromagneticaEy moving nanotubes around. These circuits can also be flexible. The thermoplastic copolyimide is more resistant to attrition than current bonding materials for zeolites such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or aluminum phosphate. Aluminum phosphate is advantageous as a binder because it adds structural strength by combining activated alumina and/or aluminum oxide with the zeoEte and can be heated above 600°F. PPS does not add as much strength but does not require the addition of activated alumina or aluminum oxide, so that 100% of the adsorbent can be zeoUte. Any number of binders can be appUed as long as a portion of the adsorbent is exposed for absoφtion functioning. In the case of the solid film lubricant an adhesive epoxy base is part of the material characteristics. In another embodiment, the hot air is suppUed by automobEe or truck internal combustion engine exhaust.

A fuel ceE generates energy by combining hydrogen and oxygen. As a byproduct, the fuel ceE also generates water in the form of Equid and vapor. In one embodiment, the fuel ceE is a type FC10K-NC fuel ceE (avaEable from Analytic Power Coφ. in Boston, Massachusetts). In other embodiments, other types of hydrogen-oxygen fuel ceEs are used. The magnetoadsorbent 4 removes the water by absoφtion from the fuel ceE in a process substantiaEy simEar to that discussed with reference to FIGURES 3 and 4.

An advantage of the embodiment of the magnetoadsorbent 4 shown in FIGURE 3 is that the magnetoadsorbent 4 removes wastewater generated by a fuel ceE. The water is typicaEy in the form of a warm Uquid or a vapor, and by removing the water from the fuel ceE, the fuel ceE is effectively cooled. As the fuel ceE cools, its efficiency is increased, thereby increasing its power output. Furthermore, the heat transfer apparatus increases the efficiency of the membrane typicaEy used in such fuel ceEs by removing moisture from the membrane. A further advantage of this embodiment of the magnetoadsorbent 4 is that any remaining heat, which is not removed from the fuel ceE by removing the water therefrom, may be used to supplement disrobing the magnetoadsorbent 4. This is advantageous because it increases the efficiency of the fuel ceE and reduces the power required to cool the fuel ceE.

In a preferred embodiment, the ferromagnetic material 3 is gadolinium. In other embodiments, the ferromagnetic member is composed of any ferromagnetic material or other material, which exhibits a magnetocaloric effect (i.e., which has the property of heating up when placed in a magnetic field and cooling down when removed from the magnetic field). The magnetic characteristics of gadolinium are described in an article entitled "The Ultimate Fridge Magnet," The Economist, April 19, 1997 at 81, incoφorated herein by reference.

The ferromagnetic member heats up, disrobing the working substance from the adsorbent 1 shown in FIGURE 1. When the magnet source 5 is positioned such that the ferromagnetic material 3, shown in FIGURE 1, is moved outside the magnetic field in deposit region 8 shown in FIGURE 3, the ferromagnetic member cools, cooling the adsorbent 1 jn preparation for another absoφtion cycle.

In yet a further alternate embodiment, a plurality of ferromagnetic materials 3, each capable of cycling between different temperature ranges, are used to increase the heated temperature and/or decrease the cooled temperature of the zeohte. An advantage of the ferromagnetic material 3 is that it very quickly heats and cools the adsorbent 1, reducing the time required to adsorb and cool the adsorbent vessel in preparation for another absoφtion cycle. A further advantage of the ferromagnetic material 3 is that it reduces the power required to both heat and cool the adsorbent vessel 4. Ferromagnetic materials 3 have never before been used to cool or heat adsorbents. Isolated pinpoint heating or cooling occurs.

In another preferred embodiment, pluraHties of magnets are employed. Magnets can be assembled in a tube form, by assembling shaped magnets in an orientation to direct the field toward the center of the magnet assembly, making one Tesla MGOe of power in a central hole, approximately 1-inch with a tube OD of 8-inches, and 8-inches long. A plastic pipe is inserted in this tube to prevent moisture from entering the magnets and a conveyer forces magnetoadsorbents 4 through the magnet pipe separating the water from the adsorbent 1 by the magnetocaloric effect. Any known technique can be used to force magnetoadsorbent 4 through the high-energy magnetic tube. If an electric insulating tube (Eke plastic) is used, then a second electricaEy conductive tube can be inserted that is separated axiaEy into two electrodes. These two electrodes wiE generate an electric current when a saturated magnetoadsorbent 4 is forced through the tube magneticaEy separating adsorbates from the ferromagnetic adsorbent. Magnetoadsorbents 4 will adsorb at a sonic velocity and returned to the entrance of the tube.

Any strong magnetic field source can be used. Further, subjecting the ferromagnetic member to a strong magnetic field (e.g., the magnetic field generated by a superconducting magnet), increases the heating and cooling effect generated by the ferromagnetic magnetoadsorbent.

As shown in FIGURE 9, an adsorbent refrigeration system 50 (described in U.S. Patent No 5,813,248 incoφorated herein by reference) includes two vacuum vessels, and an absoφtion vessel 51 containing electrical swing carbon fiber 61 that is connected by conduit 56 to a condensation vessel 52. The condensation vessel 52 contains carbon foam 62 for increased thermal exchange, and conduit system isolation vessels 53 and 59 to isolate fluid for thermal cyckng. Isolation vessel conduits 54 and 60 provide fluid flow for isolation vessels 52 and 59. The carbon fiber monoEth 61 (referenced above) is bonded to zeoEte powder 69. The embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGURE 9 replaces the vessels in U.S. Patent Number 5,813,248. Further, the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGURE 9 is superior to the prior art, because vessels are within vessels sealed by a concentric vacuum seal. This "vessel within a vessel" approach minimizes stress on the vessels and seals as thermal shock and movement of the vessels occur during cycling. The faster and deeper the thermal highs and lows are the more efficient the system. These vessels are suspended from each other, so that as the vessels grow, contract and move, minimal stress wEl occur on the vessel waEs or seals.

FIGURES 10 and 11 shown the carbon fiber monoEth 61 of FIGURE 9 with zeolite adsorbents 69 bonded to individual carbon fibers 67 and 68. A carbon fiber carbon bond 66 makes the monoEth electricaEy conductive throughout the carbon fiber monoEth and bonds carbon fibers 67 and 68. ZeoHte 70 is bonded across a void in the carbon fiber monoEth 61. Passing an electric current across the monoEth, heating or electricaEy disrobing, desorbs the carbon fiber monoEth 61, with integrated zeoEte. Carbon monoEths can be processed to adsorb different gases and zeoEte powder bonded to the carbon fiber, and also can be selected for a wide variety of molecules providing a multiple of molecules (like carbon dioxide) for the carbon fiber and water, and for the zeoEte.

As shown in FIGURE 9, a glass electric insulated ring 63 is inserted between the isolation vessel 53 and adsorbent vessel 51. The glass (or other electricaEy insulating) insulated ring 63 electricaEy isolates isolation vessel 53 and adsorbent vessel 51 providing a vacuum seal for the Efe of the vessels and turning vessels 53 and 51 into electrodes bonded to the carbon fiber monoEth 61.

FIGURES 10 and 11 also show the carbon fiber monoEth 61 of FIGURE 9 with zeoEte substituted with montmoriEonite as adsorbents 69 and 69a bonded to individual carbon fibers 67 and 68. ZeoEtes cannot physicaEy attract as much water because their physical shape is typicaEy spherical closing the cat ions to the water. MontmoriEonite on the other hand are flat platelets with ftiEy exposed cat ion sites. (MontmoriEonite is avaUable from WYO-BEN, INC. mining company, 550 S. 24th Street W., Suite 201, Billings, Montana 59103.) MontmoriEonite is from the smectite famEy of minerals.

MontmoriEonite is often times referred to as bentonite, however bentonite is 85 - 95% montmoriEonite. MontmoriEonite is a very flat thin platelet mineral ranging from approximately 2 microns to 10 microns measured across the surface area, including clusters of crystals that range larger but break down into the smaEer size ranges. MontmoriEonite is negatively charged along the plane of its largest flat surface and positively charged along its narrow edges. Sodium and calcium are the dominant cat ion on montmoriEonite surfaces. Water wiE layer across the flat negative surface of the montmoriEonite in a crystalline arrangement with the positive oxygen of the water contacting the negative surface. The hydrogen wiE point out away from the surface and joint to oxygen of other water molecules, where this layering continues untE as many as 100 layers can accumulate. Water can layer on the montmoriEonite surface 500% to 1100% the mole weight of the montmoriEonite increasing the volume of the saturated montmoriEonite by 10 to 15 times. MontmoriEonite surface area is 800 to 1000 square meters per gram, in contrast to zeoEtes, which in the low range of 35 to 350 square meters per gram. MontmoriEonite is a closer match to the carbon fiber surface area of 1000 square meter per gram.

Carbon fiber is treated with an oxygen or ozone gas under heat to make the carbon hydrophUic. The hydrophiEc carbon fiber wiE bond to the montmoriEonite. This natural physical attraction of the montmoriEonite for the carbon fiber provides a novel and new adsorbent species. In accordance with the present invention, the montmoriEonite wraps around the carbon fiber monoEth forming a coating layer mechanicaEy bonded montmoriEonite to montmoriEonite as it wraps around the carbon fiber and forms a natural bond to the carbon fiber surface. Water is the base adhesive and provides the thermal growth difference between carbon fiber and montmoriEinite without breaking the movable water bond. Other binders just break of with thermal expansion differences making water montmorUEnite bonds unique.

MontmoriEonite is suspended in water, or an organic Equid such as alcohol-based Equids to apply the montmoriEonite platelets to the surfaces of the carbon fiber deep into the monolith. A balance between water and montmoriEonite platelets is important to maintain a void air passage way throughout the water saturated montmoriEonite carbon fiber monoEth. MontmoriEonite also forms "T" bonds, where the positive edges bond montmoriEonite peφendicular to each other forming structure that wiE not faE out of the carbon fiber monoEth. MontmoriEonite when water saturated is also very electricaEy conductive providing a carbon fiber montmoriEonite coated adsorbent monoEth that exposes the surface area of the montmoriEonite to vapor or gas through voids 80. Void 80 exposes montmoriEonite to aE the gas, vapor, or Equid around it.

MontmoriEonite alone makes a poor adsorbent, because layering of water on the montmoriEonite surfece and stacks of montmoriEonite layered on top of each other prevents absoφtion to internal montmoriEonite. Desoφtion and absoφtion has to occur as rapidly as possible to cycle the system since montmoriEonite layers form a resistant membrane. Inn accordance with the present invention, a carbon fiber monoEth 61 provides a high surface area that is a highly electricaEy and thermaUy conductive base material to apply montmoriEonite, which is more desirable than carbon fiber alone, because montmoriEonite increases the kinetic rate of absoφtion and water adsorbing capacity. A carbon fiber carbon bond 66 makes a monoEth that is thermaEy and electricaEy conductive throughout the carbon fiber monoEth, as viewed in FIGURES 10 and 11, and bonds carbon fibers 67 and 68. MontmoriEonite 70a is bonded across a void in the carbon fiber monoEth 61. Passing an electric current across the monoEth, heating or electricaEy disrobing, desorbs the carbon fiber monoEth, with integrated montmoriEonite. Carbon monoEths are processed to adsorb different gases, and montmoriEonite bonded to the carbon fiber is selected for a wide variety of molecules providing a multiple of molecules (Eke carbon dioxide) for the carbon fiber and water, and for the montmorElonite.

Referring again to FIGURE 9, a glass electric insulated ring 63 is inserted between the isolation vessel 53 and adsorbent vessel 51. FIGURE 28 provides a Century Seals electrode assembly, which would be another configuration of electric insulated seal ring 63. For the puφoses of this invention FIGURE 28 is an alternative to FIGURE 9 with aE the same materials and properties. FIGURE 28 is another shape of FIGURE 09 vessels within a vessel are replaced with tubes. In FIGURE 28 An piezeoelectric valve 1010 is inserted into the tube 1011. This valve is a piezeolelectic bladder type valve that expands or contracts based on electrical excitation. The glass insulated ring 63 electricaEy isolates isolation vessel 53 and adsorbent vessel 51 providing a vacuum seal for the Efe of the vessels and turning vessels 53 and 51 into electrodes bonded to the carbon fiber monoEth 61. In some embodiments the carbon fiber monoEth 61 is substituted with other carbon fiber in cloth, wound, or bundles. Carbon fiber can also be hydrophobic without departing from the scope of the present invention, but less montmoriEonite wEl form around the fiber. In stEl further embodiments the carbon foams, aluminum open ceE foams, copper or other metal form and micro wires, sintered metals, and polymers or polyimides are coated with montmoriEonite to approach the surface area of the carbon fiber monoEth, but none are a close a surface area match as carbon fiber monoEth with a relative air passageway structure. Carbon fiber is substituted with micro carbon tubes in other preferred embodiments of the present invention. MontmorilEnite hold the water in position providing a heat pump that functions the same in any position. As shown in FIGURE 9, in some embodiments a montmoriEonite is placed in vessel 52 without the carbon foam or fiber or integrated in them. The montmoriEonite water content is balanced so the layering of water on the montmoriEonite is so thick the outer water molecules have a very week attraction. These weaker outer layers are already in an expanded ice type crystal formation so when ice subEmation occurs the saturated montmorElonite wiE shrink rather than expand Eke ice alone. This prevents the ice from developing heat spike due to the expansion of ice against a hoop stress resistant vessel waE. In a preferred embodiment, the montmorElonite is appEed to the carbon fiber monoEth or other fibers here as weE as the desoφtion vessel 51. In stiE other embodiments, the vessel 52 is replaced with absoφtion/desoφtion vessel 51 and a water balance is provided that aEows a continuous freezing cycle as each vessel desorbed in alternate cycles.

As shown in FIGURE 9, carbon foam 62 is inserted in the condensation vessel by bonding agents that wu not outgas and are thermaEy conductive. These carbon foams are formed in the vessel 52 at the time of production providing a bond directly to the copper. These carbon materials are appEed anywhere on the outside of the vessels or inside where greater heat exchanger capabiEty is desired.

Vessel 52 is an ideal vessel to fiE fuE of carbon foam in contact with working fluid in the hard vacuum within copper vessels 51 and 52. Carbon foam wϋl not directly bond to aluminum without a bonding agent. The carbon foam increased surface area makes the ice subEmation process occur quickly. Carbon foam also thermaEy cycles any other fluids quickly. By bonding the carbon foam 62 between isolation vessel conduit 60 and isolation vessel 59 thermal exchanges occurs between them by way of a fluid passing through the vessel 59. Fluids pass through ports 71 and 72. Ports 71 and 72 are interchangeable as intake of exhaust ports. Ports 73 and 74 carry and isolate fluid to heat exchangers to remove heat from the hot side of the process. Additionally, hot fluid is cycled into vessel 53 for disrobing if that type of fluid heat source is specified. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a halogen Eght socket 170 with halogen Eght 171 is inserted into vessel 53 for a heat source. Carbon foam or fiber tube Ening is inserted in vessel 53 with a socket 170 for the halogen bulb.

Carbon foam is black and has a great surfece area converting Eght energy to heat and conducting the heat from the Eght to the adsorbent materials within the vessel for desoφtion. In some embodiments Eghts are internaEzed within the unit (but in this configuration the vacuum vessel 51 has to be broken open to service the Eght/heat source). In stEl other embodiments, other heat sources are appEed, but Eght heat sources converted to heat by carbon foam are the easiest most economical heat source.

A cEp on halogen Eght is used easEy, if the copper vessel 53 is used as one side of the Eght electrode. Any Eght can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. (A preferred size configuration used in this size invention is halogen Eght model number El 1 JD 250 from the WAC Lighting Company of China; store Universal Product Code 7 90576 00603 110-130v AC 250w.) A range of Eghts can be appEed in the socket 170 to match the power source from 12 volts in an automobEe, 24 volts in a truck or tractor, 50 volts for Europe, 220 volts for industrial. By changing the Eght and plug adapter to each country or appEcation (e.g., a cigarette Eghter adapter for a car), this system can be appEed anywhere and be very mobEe. These voltage changes are easEy adapted to by placing a Eght inside vessel 53. The radiated heat from this Eght has to pass through the adsorbents to exit the vessel providing a system with minimal losses to the environment. The carbon foam provides the maximum heat absoφtion by converting the Eght to heat adding the natural radiant heat of the Eght. A 50- watt bulb wEl desorb 140 grams of UOP zeoEte in about one hour. The trapped heat exits only through the adsorbents as a path to the outside of the vessel. Referring again to FIGURE 9, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a vessel 53 is replaced with a cartridge tubular heater (manufactured by TruHeat Coφoration, 700 Grand Street AEegan, MI 49010-0190, USA). Copper sheathing is the preferred material if 350 degrees F is the Emit of temperature to which the material wEl be submitted. Higher quaEty copper aEoys are selected for higher temperatures as weE as incoloy, steel, glass, and ceramic. Flexible sEicone based heaters are inserted into vessel 53 and externaEy around vessel 55. In some embodiments, the vessel 55 is transparent glass or transparent polyimide (discussed above) providing solar heat absoφtion into the desiccant materials. This glass transparent tubes have a tube half transparent and half Eght reflective rotated around the tube that covers and uncovers the transparent tube cycling the system. In some embodiments, a thermaEy conductive material is rotated around a copper vessel to heat and reflect Eght as weE to provide solar energy.

As shown in FIGURE 9, everything that is in vessel 51 is dupEcated in vessel 52 including the adsorbent materials. Carbon foam 56a is inserted into conduit 56. Carbon foam 56a traps and freezes water as vessel 51 or 52 are cycled in a normal heat pump cycle. Carbon foam 56a transfers through the conduit 56 into external carbon foam heat exchanger 56b. This cycling system is constant and carbon foam 56a and 56b provide the heat exchanger surface where freezing wiE occur. This is a very stable temperature, which is desirable for cooling computer components by contacting carbon foam 56b or the outside conduit 56. Carbon foam tube 62a is inserted around vessel 59 and on the inside waE of vessel 52 to provide a vapor trap and freezing heat transfer region that is localized and easier to remove heat from. In some embodiments, carbon fiber 80 is replaced with carbon foam to complete a thermal path between vessel 59, and vessel 52. Carbon fiber 61 in vessel 51 can also be carbon foam (other foams ceramic aluminum, copper, etc.) with zeoEtes or adsorbents bonded to the carbon foam, without departing from the scope of the present invention. This carbon foam is very porous providing the ideal surface area for bonding zeoEte adsorbents. There have been previous attempts to bond zeoEtes to the inner waEs of tubes for cbiEing. In these attempts, the volume of zeoEte was low compared to the pipe being used. AdditionaEy, in these attempts the zeoEtes could not be properly bonded to the pipe surface; either the bonding agent was too thin and did not hold the zeoEte, including clogging the molecular sieve surfaces, or the bonding agent was too thick and did not flow into the tubes surface irregularities. These attempts used a bonding agent that required scuffing off the surface area of the bonding agent in the tube to provide an adsorbent surface area. No advantages were achieved in these prior efforts when bonding to carbon foam or carbon fibers because both high surface area materials are also porous and do not need special unique binding methods. However, in accordance with the present invention, binding to carbon fiber and carbon foam heat exchanger surfaces provides multiple the necessary surface areas of zeoEtes to which to bond.

In the case of carbon fiber this surface area is greater that 1,000 square meters per gram of surface area. Carbon foams and aluminum foams range widely in density based on the gas pressure or vacuum appEed during their manufacturing, but the foam is reticulated and fluids and gases can pass through the foams. These carbon foam surface areas are simEar in size to the carbon fiber when comparing the surface area of a tube, whether the tube was finned or provided capElary size fins. Only a few square feet of surface are present in a 2-inch diameter by 4-foot tube. The same tube f led with carbon fiber or foam coated with zeoEte would have several mEes thousands of square meters per tube. These surface areas are not calculating in the zeoEte surface area. The UOP tubes finned or not are not very high surfece areas, when compared to carbon foam and fibers. The carbon fiber has the added advantage of being electricaEy conductive to desorb the zeoEte bonded to it. The ring seal 63 is vacuum tight, thermaEy stable, and moldable, but not electricaEy conductive.

A Ene of innovative insulation technologies have been developed based on polyimide foam, which can be foamed in place for instaEation and repair — dramaticaEy saving labor and material costs. The low-density foam can be processed into neat or syntactic foams, foam-fiEed honeycomb or other shapes, and microspheres. These products offer exceEent thermal and acoustic insulation and high-performance structural support. The low-density foam can be processed into neat or syntactic foams, foam-fiEed honeycomb or other shapes, and microspheres. These products offer exceEent thermal and acoustic insulation and high-performance structural support.

Referring again to FIGURE 9, an insulating polyimide foam coating 52a is bonded to the inside of the vacuum vessel providing compressible material. This foam sphere can have a magnetic particle trapped inside providing the abEity to move the insulation material around in the vessel exposing the vessel to thermal transfer or insulating the vessel. The outside of this polyimide foam sphere can have montmorElinite bonded to it for locaEzing (layering) where the ice forms by locating at the water moisture. Phase change pyrolytes can be inside the foam spheres where storage and release of thermal energy needs to be moderated. PyroEte fiEed spheres act as buffers delaying when heat wEl transfer. If ice pressure forms in the vessel the insulating foam coating 52a provides insulation between the ice forming in vessel 52 and the ice. This is important to isolate the heat transfer to only the regions in the system that it is desirable to conduct through. It is desirable, for example, to have high thermal conductivity through vessel 59 and carbon foam 62, where fluid passes through from the outside. When using vessel 59 as the heat transfer method it is undesirable to loose heat anywhere through the inner waE of vessel 52. Magnetoadsorbents can be moved around in the desoφtion/adsoφtion vessel as weE to eEminate the need for screens and increase the efficiency of the system by moving the magnetoadsorbent in front of and away from a constant heat source Eke solar energy or a waste heat stream.

In some embodiments, the polyimide foam is appEed as the insulation around the ice subEmation system. The polyimide foam is easEy appEed to any shaped surface like the inside waEs of vessel 52, because it can be appEed directly on the waEs as bonded foam. Carbon foam wEl further isolate where heat exchanges wEl occur, because it is the path of least resistance and has the greatest surface area. Inside the refrigeration unit there is a need for foam where the ice expands and can break the vessel. This polyimide foam offers a wide range of densities providing two functions in this invention.

The most significant benefit of the polyimide foam is their abEity to foam in place during instaEation and repair. This greatly reduces labor and material waste costs. Other benefits include the foEowing: mechanical performance benefits, low density, highly , resiEent (low friabiEty), high compressive strength, highly durable (passed 50 cycles at ±400 °F), rigidity, thermal performance benefits, low thermal conductivity from cryogenic to elevated temperatures, low coefficient of thermal expansion, high glass transition temperature, foam-in-place appEcation, in situ repair, flame resistant, low flammabiEty and smoke emissions, nontoxic and nonfiiming, chemical, solvent, and hot water, resistant, and low dielectric constant.

Referring again to FIGURE 1, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, magnetic materials 3 are placed inside polyimide foam spheres making the magnetoadsorbent base material. This is beneficial since the magnetic materials can be sealed in the foam (protected from moisture), whEe the exterior can be the adsorbent bonded surfece exposing the adsorbents to the selected fluids or gases. In some embodiments of the present invention, the foam sphere are fiEed with heEu and coated with adsorbent or other biological surface Eke sEicon, or alcohol vinyl based materials. HeEum fiEed polyimide spheres provide floating materials and are the lowest energy materials to manage, because magnetic materials are added to locate the spheres where needed (under fluid or by releasing the magnets the spheres wEl float out of the fluid). Magnets are bonded in the sphere off center so the sphere can be rotated and held in an oriented position exposed and part dipping in solution. Any position can be caEbrated in gently rotating spheres. FIGURE 25 Elustrates glass micro-spheres and how they are a good species to fiE heEum in. Glass microsphere 900 contains iron tunnels 901 that leak the heEum 902. The heEum can leak into the glass sphere filling it with heEum only, then the iron tunnels can be closed by metalizing them shut 903, polyimide coating 904, carbon nanotubes growth 905, or other methods that would seal the heEum into the microsphere permanently.

These spheres are preferable for removing fresh water from salt water, because the sphere wEl float out of the saltwater with only fresh water in the zeoEte (water specific) type adsorbents. In addition, heEum magnetic fiEed spheres accelerate at a greater speed than spheres without heEum gas, because the BernouEi Effect converts Eft to forward thrust in the direction of acceleration. These spheres are bonded to a variety of materials and are designed to just suspend in the air loosely whEe pathogens, DNA, RNA, or other biological based systems grow on the surfaces. This is a very gentle controEable system with no energy appEed to achieve an air buoyant suspension of the growth or adsorbent spheres. These are buoyant in both water and air. Water buoyant only spheres are also provided with substantiaEy only air in the spheres.

This process can produce foam and microsphere materials by reacting a derivative of a dianhydride (e.g., ODPA, BTDA, and PMDA) with a diamine (e.g., ODA, PDA, and DDS). An admixture of two or more polyimides can be combined or used separately to make a variety of polyimide foams with varying properties. Foams and microspheres can be fabricated to specific densities from 0.5 to over 20 pounds per cubic foot. (NASA and Unitika have named their insulation materials TEEK.) Sordal, Inc. 12813 REey St. HoEand, MI 49424 United States is the successful Ecensee of the Unitikna NASA foam. Sordal commerciaEzed the new process, where a friable baEoon (FB) is formed providing a weak waEed microsphere to penetrate with heEum during the oven curing process now reaching into the 900 to 1000 degree F range. HeEum wEl be placed in and oven saturating the gas within the oven providing penetration into the friable baEoons before the polyimide seals closed trapping the heEum in the micro-sphere. The friable baEoons can be place up in the oven where the heEum density is greatest. Ovens vary in vacuum pressure and heEum may only be present in the top of the oven. Vacuum tight ovens fiEed with heEum wEl not have this requirement. Cobalt seeds can be placed in the waE of the friable baEoon for future carbon nanotube deposition. Different density of heEum baEoon can be achieved with different pressure, vacuum seal, pressure seal, and temperature. Friable baEoon materials can be varied in composition to thin the waE and provide a buoyant heEum sphere micro-sphere, which can be combined into foam in product form. This NASA/polyimide is manufactured in thin films and provides a polymer platform to integrate carbon nanotubes, sEver, PZT's [ceramic material caEed "PZT", meaning "Lead Zirconate Titanate" (or sometimes Barium Titanate, BaTi, is used instead.) This material is "piezoelectric", meaning that whenever it is compressed, it can create high voltages and produce a separated electric charge, a magnetic field enhancer)]. Thin films of these types can be put in electric transducers to enhance and connect electric fields including electricaEy connecting the magnetic field between magnetic rotor field and conductor rotor field . These sheets of thin film can be placed on any face of the magnet or conductor, but preferred through the plane peφendicular faces of the magnet or conductor rotor. Focusing the magnetic fields along this thin film polyimide composite provides electric contact between the conductor and magnet rotors and the fluxfield does not need to pass through the magnet heating it, because the flux wiE pass through the material of least resistance and in electric contact with the opposing moving rotors.

These thin NASA polyimide films are produced by NASA Ecensees in thin films that are transparent and metaEzed to a high reflective brightness. These invention teaches that any of the adsorbents described in this invention can be placed within an envelope of these thin films to manage the thermal swings via reflecting or absorbing sunEght, and trapping the moisture within the envelop where the opening is pointing down to drain water extracted from air or seawater.

Referring again to FIGURES 10 and 11, carbon fiber monoEths are inserted and wired in conduits or batch vessels in sections so fluid flows through the conduit and substantiaEy does not contact the carbon fiber monoEth. Fluid fiEs part of the conduit and substantiaEy the rest of the conduit is the open carbon fiber monoEth. Pressures and temperature can be changed to control rates of absoφtion within the conduit without departing from the scope of the present invention. As working fluid like a solvent is passed through the bottom of the conduit, the upper carbon fiber bonded to the upper ceEing of the conduit adsorbs selected molecules (such as water), out of the fluid.

In accordance with the present invention, magnetoadsorbents 4 are dropped in the fluid of this type of conduit and simply be lifted to the top of the conduit where there is no fluid flow, providing the removal of selected for molecules. This is a simple partiaEy fuE conduit that provides fluid flow and enough of a void at the top of the conduit for adsorbent to coEect saturated adsorbent. In other embodiments, the magnetoadsorbent 4 are vacuumed or physicaEy removed from the conduit between fluid flow process cycles to be desorbed (unless desoφtion is performed at the top of the conduit whEe holding the magnetoadsorbents 4 in place).

Nanotubes with cobalt tips are the most efficient material to manipulate magneticaEy within the vessel. Moving the nanotubes between the cold and hot regions of the closed vessels is a refrigeration effect whether desoφtion processes occur or not. The simple movement of nanotubes replaces the need for adsorbents where a smaE temperature difference is desired. A 10 degree F cooEng effect can be accompEshed by dropping nanotubes to the bottom of the vessel where it is cold and is being cooled by fluid movement in contact with the vessel. When the magnet is appEed the nanotubes are Efted to the hot section of the vessel, where the fluid has removed heat from the inside of a refrigerator in contact with the waE magneticaEy holding nanotubes of carbon in place. The carbon nanotubes are aggregated to this hot surface and they absorb the heat from the external fluids. The fluids are returned to the refrigerators interior cooler for additional heat removal.

New adsorbents are engineered and suppEed on an ongoing basis. Adsorbent suppEers advertise commerciaEy that custom-engineered adsorbents are avaflable. New metal aEoys are also being developed on a regular basis. Magnetic polymers are being developed for industry. Injected molded polymer based magnets are avaEable from Virginia Power (NASA developed) of Richmond Virginia. It is to be understood that the selections of an adsorbent for a specific appEcation, in combination with the materials that are moved under a magnetic field, are within the scope of this invention. Users can engineer a wide variety of adsorbent functions into magnetoadsorbents 4. Adsorbents 1 can be grown onto the metal aEoys 3. (UOP part DDZ-70 type zeoEtes are grown on the carbon fiber as shown in FIGURES 10 and 11.) Further, adsorbents 1 Eke zeoEtes can be grown directly onto the soft magnetic aEoy 3 or other aEoy, carbon fiber (or foam), eliminating the need for a specific binder between the adsorbent and magnetic aEoy (or other substrate), without departing from the scope of the present invention. These zeoEtes grown by polyimide seed binding or attached to the carbon fiber are used to release molecules later than the carbon fiber desorbs molecules. Referring again to FIGURE 9, in some embodiments of the present invention, the vessels 51 are fiEed with zeoEte peEets, beads or powders, including zeoEte powders exposed on carbon foam monoEth that have to be thermaEy cycled. Carbon foams with bonded zeoEte are integrated in the material during foaming, or grown to the surface of the monoEth. The vessel can be open or closed if appEed in other cycles requiring open systems during a portion of the processing time. In some embodiments of the present invention, a valve is inserted in valve area 57, between the vessels, to store the energy potential of the fluid accumulated in condensation vessel 52. When the valve is opened substantiaEy 100 percent of the potential energy is recovered. This valve is optional and can be replaced with an insulator to isolate the two working vessels. Referring again to FIGURE 9, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, magnetocaloric materials are bonded to the adsorbents inserted in vessel 51 and held by screen 55 instead of a monoEth adsorbent. A magnetic field is appEed to the outside of the vessel 51 to increase the temperature of the adsorbent bonded to magnetocaloric materials. A series of different magnetocaloric materials that operate in different temperature ranges when in varying magnetic fields can be inserted in one vessel or separated into several vessels to drop the working fluid to cryogenic levels. Increased heating is accompEshed in the same way by providing a series of different magnetocaloric aEoys that operate at a different range relative to the magnetic field appEed. Carbon foams or loose magnetoadsorbents have different aEoys bonded to them for a range of cascading temperatures desorbed relative to magnetic field strengths appEed. Different magnetocaloric aEoys operate in different temperature ranges. One magnetoadsorbent wEl have a group of different magnetocaloric materials clustered to it. Magnetoadsorbent with this clustering of bonded magnetocaloric aEoys adsorbs molecules in a very low temperature range.

As shown in FIGURE 9, vessels 53 and 59 are connected and bonded to vessels 51 and 52 at just one end of the vessel with a vacuum tight seal. Tubes 60 and 54 are connected in the same thermal vessel end. This vessel within a vessel thermal system provides the several end benefits including, but not Emited to; thermal vessel expansion and contraction without stressing multiple welds, outside fluid isolation combined with thermal shock of the vessels 53, 51 and 52, 59 during fluid entry, the upper vessels each serve as separate electrodes bonded to carbon fiber sealed by non electricaEy conductive glass 63, and lower vessel 52 serves as an electrode for carbon fiber 80 with electrode rings 81 and 82 joining them electricaEy to a common wire. Carbon fiber 80 is bonded to vessel electrode 52 and electrode rings 81 and 82 by conductive adhesive.

Preferably, conductive carbon fiber adhesives selected for this invention are EDM electrode glues (found in most plastic injection molding tool rooms). Other electric bonds Eke sEver and conductive adhesives can be appEed. Water coEection pan 84 coEects water 86 when water drops 85 faE during the time periods electric current is appEed across carbon fiber monoEth electrode rings 81, 82, and vessel 52. An ultra capacitor (such as from the MaxweE company) can be charged by many methods. The preferred source in the present invention is solar voltaic. This water coEection system provides significant advantages over the prior art. These include the foEowing: the carbon fiber monoEth has greater than 1000 square meters per gram of surfece area, is a highly thermaEy conductive carbon monoEth, the carbon monoEth is highly electricaEy conductive, the carbon monoEth has been heat treated in a oven with oxygen to make it hydrophiEc, and when electricity is appEed to desorb the carbon fiber, the water does not heat significantly during desoφtion.

The carbon fiber 80 is a monoEth making a thermal path throughout the open porous hydrophEic carbon surfaces. In accordance with the present invention, during the cycEng of a refrigeration system the carbon fiber monoEth is bonded to the freezing or cold side of a refrigeration cycle. Preferably this system is bonded to the ice sublimation systems cold side, as discussed with reference to FIGURE 9. Since the ice is sublimating in vessel 52, the carbon fiber monoEth 80 does not have an electric load through it and reduces to near the temperature of the vessel 52. The due point is reached within seconds and water droplets form on the carbon fiber throughout the monoEth.

Electric current is appEed across the electric source copper electrode rings 81, 82 through the carbon fiber monoEth and grounded through electrode vessel 52, a copper vessel. Alternating or direct current is appEed across the carbon fiber and either vessel 52 or the one electrode formed by rings 81, 82 and plate 83, and is the positive or negative electrodes. In some embodiments, the carbon fiber monoEth 80 is broken down into several sections, each wired for desoφtion providing a continuous flow of water. Two or more refrigeration vessels 52 are attached to one or more carbon fiber monoEth 80 to provide constant cooEng of carbon fiber 80. Preferably, vessel 52 in this invention is approximately 1.5-inches in diameter by 8-inches in length and provides enough heat removal energy to make approximately 7 gaEon of water per day in 75 percent humidity at sea level using electric swing desoφtion carbon fiber in the atmosphere.

This ice subEmation system is efficient because ice subEmation processing moves water vapor from the ice vaporizing to the adsorbents at a sonic velocity, so that no latent heat can form. This aggressive heat ice sublimation provides a freezing source for carbon fiber monoEth 80 to extract moisture from the open atmospheric environment. Pathogens wEl not form on this open monoEth, because of the electrical current cycled through it.

There are many regions of the world Eke Brazil, China, Saudi Arabia, and India with high humidity desert regions where water can be condensed by carbon fiber monoEths at a high rate. This carbon fiber monoEth is placed in a vacuum or higher pressures than atmosphere, and connected to a cooEng source vessel 52 to increase the efficiency of the fiber 80 absoφtion in industrial appEcation where absoφtion desoφtion is required. A slower rate of absoφtion wEl occur, if the carbon fiber monoEth is not cooled. A permanent magnet source is passed over the carbon fiber to cycle it, if there is no electricity. Carbon fiber is bonded to ferromagnetic aEoys that exhibit the magnetocaloric effect to reduce this thermal cycle time. Carbon dioxide is a useable working gas.

FIGURES 13 and 14 show charts of ice subEmation heat spike curves in an empty ice subEmation vessel constructed in accordance with the embodiment of FIGURE 9 without carbon foam or fiber materials 62a or 56a. The measurements of FIGURE 13 are taken from the inside center of vessel 59 closest to the valve 57, and the measurements of FIGURE 14 are taken from the outside of the vessel. FIGURE 14 Elustrates the gentle curve representing the spE e after the heat has been adsorbed by the water and vessel waEs of vessel 52. In this embodiment, the temperature can stEl be measured as a slower change. Ice subEmation forms within vessel 52 when valve 57 is opened.

As the ice goes down in temperature to 22.4 degrees F, ice is expanding against the vessel waEs. Hoop stress resistance of vessel 52 waEs is high enough to resist the expansion of ice. This ice compression against the walls of vessel 52 heats the ice phasing it back into a Equid chiEing temperature of approximately 34 degrees. This increased temperature moves the process into a chEler fuE of water rather than processing against high surface area sublimating ice. In accordance with the present invention, fragmentation of the ice processing into fractions of the ice, by forcing the ice subEmation to take place in a porous metal foams, carbon foam, carbon fiber, copper foam, aluminum foam, plastic foam, screens, porous sintered metals, metal shavings, metal wools, glass fibers or flakes, ceramic porous materials, bonded porous materials, plastic porous materials, and micro spheres. Magnetoadsorbents are the preferred choice. The carbon nanotubes are the preferred species of magnetoadsorbent used in this embodiment. Referring now to FIGURE 15, these measurements chart a curve representing the metering of ice in the embodiment of FIGURE 9, through carbon foam 56a by opening and closing valve 57 closing and opening conduit 56, which exposes the zeoEte or adsorbent to adsorbate in vessel 52. Ice forms in carbon foam 56a. Thus, FIGURE 15 charts an ice subEmation curve without a heat spike measuring carbon foam performance as water is metered through the carbon foam.

Referring again to FIGURE 9 a further embodiment of this invention teaches a holding vessel 301 connected to vessel 51 through conduit 305 and conduit 304. Valves 303 and 306 are providing water 302 isolation from vessel 51 and 52. Desiccant 61 is desorbed into vessel 301 through conduit 305 and valve 306 fiEing the vessel 301 with water or working fluid 302, when valve 57 closes conduit 56. Valve 304 is closed untE vessel 301 is fuE and then valve 306 is closed preventing the water from adsorbing through conduit 305. To achieve the deep freezing curve shown in FIGURE 15, valve 57 is now opened and water is metered 1-gram at a time through conduit 304 by opening valve 303 in short time intervals.

Carbon foam 62 a and 56a break up the water into the isolated open pores of the conductive foam 62 and 56a and the water freezes in the foam preventing the ice from compressing against the vessel waE or against itself. Ice forms from micro droplets of water vapor isolated by conductive foam. FIGURE 15 Elustrates the increase in heat absoφtion by the ice subEmation process by keeping the ice in the ice subEmation mode. Ice subEmation wEl phase out into heated chiEing water vaporization pools if ice is aEowed to compress against itself or vessel waEs. In accordance with the present invention, higher cycle efficiencies are achieved by processing ice in isolated micro droplets of water or by ultrasonicaEy vibrating the vessel during the ice formation and subEmation. Referring again to FIGURE 9, the cycle is repeated by opening and closing valves 306, 303, and valve 57 whEe timing the heating cycle for desoφtion with valve 306 open and valve 57 closed. Valves 303 and 306 can remain closed and the system wEl stEl function, because of the pores in 62a and 56a. Referring now to FIGURE 16, a carbon foam or soEd carbon mold 320 is shaped from pitch based carbon foam (referenced above). Aluminum is a preferred mold for making carbon foam, because it does not need a mold release chemical. Carbon foam or soEd releases from aluminum without additional chemicals as release agents. In accordance with the present invention, carbon foam is appEed as the mold for casting aluminum to form aluminum into the shape of the carbon mold. Aluminum foam exhibits a combination of quaEties not found in other low-density materials including sufficient strength to serve as structural members, good thermal quaEties for insulation, resistance to fire and immunity to electromagnetic fields. Aluminum foam is strong enough to buEd panels without sheathing bonded to each side of the panel. Only aluminum foam is needed. Sheathing panels are bonded into a sandwich arrangement if extra strength is desired in appEcation where thickness and strength need to be at the highest density.

In accordance with the present invention, aluminum foam is molded into final or near net shapes by molding the shape onto pitch based carbon. Prior to this invention, aluminum foam has only been produced that is very porous on the outer skin closed ceEs, which wEl crack open during the aluminum cooEng stage. Pitch carbon based molds are heated and provide the molded shape without mold release agent aE at the same time. By heating the carbon foam up to the cast temperature of the aluminum foam (700 - 800 degrees C) the aluminum is slowly cooled preventing surface ceE loss. Conveyers, flat surface, vessels multi-part molds, can aE be made from pitch based carbon foam. Any tool shape can be derived from this method providing a final or near net shape of aluminum based products. Air can be puEed through the carbon foam mold making reticulated aluminum foam when the vacuum is sufficient in the mold to Eft the aluminum foam into reticulations. In a further embodiment, the ice sublimation process can be provided throughout the process by ultrasonicaEy vibrating the water or ice during the cycle by providing ultrasonic wafer 300 as discussed above in reference to FIGURE 9. Wafer 300 vibrates vessel 52 substantiaEy preventing hoop stresses that generated heat in the ice by breaking up the ice during its formation. This process is preferred when a conductive carbon copper, aluminum, plastic, ceramic, glass or fiber material 62a is in vessel 52. Preferably, that material 62a completely fiEs the vessel 52 integrating aE the water into the pores of the material. This wafer can be inside in contact with the water or attached to the outside of the vessel, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Yet a further embodiment of this invention is the growth of nanotubes on the wafer 300. Every surface of the wafer can be provided with nanotubes by growing the nanotubes directly on the surface of the wafer 300. Straight, tangled, zigzag or other shapes can be grown on the wafer 300 depending on the effect desired. When wafer 300 has nanotubes grown on it and is linked to an adsorbent the ultrasonic vibration of wafer 300 can not vibrate the adsorbent loose, but the energy of ultrasonic vibration does desorb the adsorbate from the wafer. The total desoφtion adsoφtion effect in the vessels can be cycled by these wafers.

Referring again to FIGURE 16, a carbon foam mold is shown for casting aluminum foam net shapes. The carbon foam is porous and in some embodiments is used to blow air into aluminum foam to manufacture closed ceE aluminum foam. If open ceE aluminum foam is desired, the carbon foam can be above the sEica carbonate molten aluminum, and a vacuum can be puEed foaming the aluminum in an open ceEed structure. Currently spinning air is used to foam, and cannot manufacture open ceEed foam. This method of blowing into the aluminum through nonstick carbon foam and puEing a vacuum to obtain open ceEed foam is performed in accordance with the present invention. The pore size of the carbon foam is very smaE and wiE provide uniform aluminum foam, where the aluminum foam is produced from spinning air but is not uniform Eke blowing or pulling air through a carbon foam structure. The carbon foam is also non-attrition and non-stick. Tunneling of the aluminum can be made by puEing the magnetic carbon/cobalt nanotubes through the aluminum. This effect can be used to shape any molding process, but is particularly effective in this aluminum molding process. Aluminum foam is provided seeds to grow carbon nanotubes where higher thermal transfer rates are desired or high heat excursion temperatures are reaEzed. Referring now to FIGURE 17, a magneticaEy actuated seaEess valve for valve area 57 is provided. Conduit 400 is sealed to vessel 401 by heat sweat solder, dielectric adhesives, adhesives, glass, or ultrasonic welding at seal 402. These connections throughout the invention are spun components not requiring a seal. Conduit 400 and vessel 401 are the same diameter tubing made of copper, aluminum, and other non-ferrite materials Eke glass or plastic. Copper is the preferred material, because it has an eddy current effect when a magnetic field is moved across it. Vessel 400 is housing for an internal magneticaEy actuated valve.

In one preferred embodiment, the internal surface of vessel 400 is coated with a soEd film lubricant of Ford 25D coating, (manufactured by Sandstrom or a magnetoadsorbent 4 referenced in FIGURE 2). This dry lubricant bearing surface is important because it is hydrophEic and adsorbs lubricant when appEed retaining a bearing surface. A valve poppet 403 made of ferritic aEoy or magnetic material is inserted into vessel 400. Stem seal 404, 405, and 406 are mounted on stem recess 407, 408, 409 respectfuEy. Valve poppet 403 is a tube with passage 410 and 411. Center plug 412 provides the division of fluid flow in the valve through the two openings passages 413 and 414. External magnet source 415 attracts or repels the valve poppet 403 moving its location registering either valve passage 413 or 414 with conduit 416. Nanotubes NanoCoupling can be provided on the contact surfaces Eke the poppet of this electromagnetic valve reducing the energy required to move the poppet. A zigzag nanotube is recommended for this suspension type poppet providing a pressure for sealing the valve.

This valve assembly is appEed to a closed system Eke the refrigeration system in the present invention where a seaEess vessel and conduit system are required for a high vacuum. No leaks are possible when the valves are moved by electromagnetic excitement or permanent magnet attraction or repeEing. In some embodiments this valve is cut in half, providing a passage through a single conduit. The valve seal can be at the end of valve poppet 403 or on the stem as provided. Plug type rotary valves, a plate, and baE valves can also be externaEy excited within vessel 401 by providing a magnetic polarity on the replacement of valve poppet 403, without departing from the scope of the present invention. (For example, a baE valve would have a north and south fece.) Alternatively, eddy currents are appEed to copper replacing the need for magnetic aEoys in valve poppet 403. The internal copper poppet 403 move, because there is an air gap provided by the valve stem seals 404, 405, and 406. In a preferred embodiment, a montmorElinite paste is appEed between the poppet 403 and the waE around the poppet to hold the location of the poppet after magnetic excitation. The poppet 403 outside surface is provided with a rough surface that wEl adhere to montmoriEinite and the tube the poppet travels in wiE be sinύlar in friction. When the poppet is moved by magnetic excitation, the poppet overcomes the shear strength of the montmorEEnite and the montmoriEinite instantaneously becomes a lubricated seal aEowing the poppet to move. When the magnetic excitement is removed from the poppet the montmorEEnite reforms a bond where sheared. There is no attrition on this shear surface and no changed in the seal leak rate. The poppet can be a magnet.

A one step water cleanup system (developed by Wyoming-Gem) appEed modified montmorEEnite to adsorb metals or other waste products Eke latex paint, inks, heavy metals, or other suspended waste. A powder of this unique material is dumped into the contaminated water and then stirred for approximately thirty second. The montmoriEinite (BENTINITE) jeEs together and settle to the bottom of the tank of water. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the magnetoadsorbent is mixed into this batch process providing a less aggressive adsorbent, but one that sticks within the montmorillinite. This provides a magnetic potential jeE that is manipulated and removed without removing the purified water. In some embodiments, ultrasonic wafers are used inside the fluid to mix and enhance the uniform bonding of the montmorElinite to the waste. Ultrasonic wafers can be arranged to drive water out of the jeE. When wafers are stacked they could squeeze the moisture out of the jeE. This is important to remove and manipulate the moisture out of the montmorillinite jeE so it can be sent to land fiE for disposal. The moisture content in this jeE is the measure of whether it is quaEfied to be landfiE dumped or not. The specific modified montmoriEinites isolate and adsorb targeted materials dissolved or suspended in the water.

The ultrasonic wafers prepare the water prior to adding the montmoriEinite by ultrasonicaEy vibrating the water separating the water from suspensions by ultrasonic water/particle separation. These wafers can have carbon fiber nanotubes deposited onto the surfaces of the nanotube type referenced above. A conduit next to the ultrasonic wafer wEl be exposed to a near pure pool of water that forms from the vibration of the wafer in the water. The purity of the water pool within water is formed from the sonic energy field of the wafer. This water purification system has great appEcation to prepare water to be frozzed or manipulated by magnetoadsorbents. The poppet can be a magnet.

By the support of New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) for an AIST project on "Technology for Novel High Function Materials - Harmonized Molecular Materials - Microporous Materials", Japan Chemical Innovation Institute and Catalyst Design Group of our Institute developed a technique to control zeoEte formation, namely bulk-material dissolution (BMD) technique. The world's largest single crystalline zeoEtes were synthesized successfuEy by applying this technique. The use of this technique promises the widening of the scope of appEcation of zeoEtes.

ZeoEtes are crystalEne microporous material having pores with precise and regular diameter and intervals. This porous material which is regarded as a molecular sieve has a pore diameter measuring less than 1 nm (10-9m). Due to this pore size which is approximately that of the low molecule compounds, it is considered as an extremely valuable material used widely as an ion exchange material, an adsoφtion and separation materials and a catalyst in industrial fields. However, zeoEtes are generaEy obtained as rather smaE crystals ranging from several to some tens of micrometers (10-6m), and therefore, their appEcation has been rather Emited. If a technique for synthesizing zeoEte crystals of any expected shapes and sizes shaE be developed, the zeoEtes can be used as a material separation device as a molecular sieve membrane, a high performance catalyst membrane reactor and an electronic device with smaE internal resistance that have not been reaEzed so far. It can also be appEed to the fields such as high performance batteries and fuel ceEs. Furthermore, by a new principle of motion of electronic elements and opto-electronic elements which uses the quantum effect generated by inlaying a functional material in the regular pores of zeoEtes, the performance of both electronic and electric products may make rapid progress.

The bulk-material dissolution (BMD) technique that we developed recently is to dissolve the raw materials, sEicon dioxide and aluminum oxide component, from the surface of the bulk-material, and by controlling the dissolution rate, formation of zeoEte crystals is controEed. The (BMD) technique enables us to synthesize various forms of zeoEte crystals requfred for different puφoses. Therefore, it is now clear that the synthesis of a giant single crystalline zeoEte by applying this technique became possible. The BMD technique is widely adaptable to some other zeoEtes such as ANA, JBW, CAN, MFI and SOD from which the giant single crystals have already been synthesized successfuEy.

The characteristics of raw materials used for BMD technique are not the conventional powder or coEoidal materials, but glassy or sintered (quartz glass, sintered muEite, etc.) bulk materials which contain raw material components. For example, a piece of quartz glass tube was placed in a PTFE sleeve equipped for an autoclave. The sleeve was fiEed with an aqueous solution containing tetra-n-propylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) and hydrogen fluoride (HF) and was heated up to 100 to 200 DZ in a thermostat. EventuaEy, the world's largest giant single crystal MFI zeoEte measuring over 3 mm was obtained. The BMD technique may make the appEcation of zeoEtes which has not been reaEzed hitherto possible. For example, when the synthesis of zeoEte crystals of the sizes usable for electronic elements wiE be possible, they are expected to be appEed to a super high density memory device, a high velocity response semiconductor/optical element, a highly selective sensor and a variable wavelength semiconductor laser, etc.

Moreover, even though the satisfactory sizes of zeoEte membrane have not been obtained, the problems of the size shaE be solved possibly by Ening up the large crystals or by further development of the BMD technique, and thus, the appEcation to a molecular sieve membrane, highly selective catalyst membrane reactor, luminous surface zeoEte display, etc. is possible. The zeoEte Crystals formed by BMD technique also have a valuable potential as a soEd electrolyte with a smaE internal resistance that they are expected to be appEed to the area of energy such as batteries and fuel ceEs. The giant zeoEte crystals synthesized by this technique are valued as a key material useful in the fields of energy savings, environmental protection and high information technology.

TUBES and Cloth Japan Chemical Innovation Institute and Catalyst Design Group of our Institute have developed a novel technique to control zeoEte formation, termed "dynamic bulk-material dissolution' (DBMD), and by applying this technique, we successfuEy synthesized a tube-shaped zeoEte. This work has been carried out by the support of New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) for and AIST project on "Technology for Novel Highly Functional Materials - Harmonized Molecular Materials - Microporous Materials."

Preparation of the tube-shaped zeoEtes by DBMD: A piece of quartz glass tube (ca. 16.5 mm long, 10 mm external diameter and 8 mm internal diameter; 17.5 mmol SiO2) was fixed with a piece of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) rod in a PTFE sleeve (capacity 23 mL) equipped for an autoclave. The sleeve was fiEed with an aqueous solution consisting of tetra-n-propylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH), hydrogen fluoride (HF), and approximately 50 mg of MFI seed crystals. After the autoclave had been rotated around a horizontal axis at 10 rpm in a convection oven at 200 DZ for 61 days, a tube- shaped MFI zeoEte was obtained and its shape was very close to that of the source bulk material.

ZeoEtes are crystalEne microporous material that has pores with precise and regular diameters and intervals. This porous material which, in other words, caEed molecular sieve, have a pore diameter measuring under 1 nm (10-9 mm), the size almost equivalent to the low molecule compounds. Due to this property, zeoEtes are attracting much attention as a valuable and important material applicable as ion exchange material, adsoφtion and separation processing material, and high-performance catalyst in industrial fields. However, the appEcation of the zeoEtes has been rather Emited because they are generaEy obtained as very smaE crystals ranging from several to some tens of micrometers (10-6 mm). Therefore, the success in a technique to prepare zeoEtes with appropriate shapes wEl promote the development of the effective catalytic processing using zeoEtic membrane catalysis of appropriate shapes which has not been reaEzed so far. Moreover, the appEcation of the DBMD enables to convert the inner part of glass capElary tubes into zeoEte, which makes the design of micro reactors using these capElary tubes possible. It can also be appEed to a rapid evaluation equipment of various kinds of catalytic reaction processes combined with computer techniques.

The characteristic of the dynamic bulk-material dissolution (DMBD) technique developed here is first to prepare raw material sEicon dioxide (SiO2) and uminum oxide (A12O3) compound, subsequently replace it with zeoEte from the surface to inside and finaEy the raw material is converted to a zeoEte crystal. This technique is appEed also to synthesize zeoEtic fibers and fabrics. Since the shape control of zeoEtic materials is an important technical issue for industrial use of zeoEtes, we beEeve that the DBMD technique wiE provide a practical solution. The DBMD technique can be appEed to zeoEtes of many different shapes, thus the knowledge and experience of the conventional synthesizing techniques accumulated up to the present should be adaptable to the DBMD technique without difficulty. Therefore, it is expected to develop into a technique to control the shapes more freely in the future research.

Carbon fiber or foam monoEths and have zeoEtes integrated into the air spaces in the monoEth by the spin cast methods of making zeoEte monoEths. The large crystals in these ne vary large structure can substitute carbon fiber monoEth or carbon fiber. The zeoEte large crystal would need carbon nanotubes deposited into the zeoEte porous structure to increase electrical and thermal conductivity reaching the efficency of the carbon monoEthing systems. The advantage of monoEthic zeoEtes is the efficency could be gain, if these are thin films in thermal and/or electrical contact with the vessel in FIGURE 28.

NANOTUBE CATALYST

Motoo Yumura, Ph.D., the group leader and Hiroki Ago, Ph.D., a group member of Molecular Reaction Engineering Group of Department of Chemical Systems of National Institute of Materials and Chemical Research, one of the participating research institutes of Frontier Carbon Technology Project (Main Office: Japan Fine Ceramics

Center, Tokyo), have been engaged in the research and development of 'Frontier Carbon

This Technology Project of Industrial Science and Technology started under the auspice of Ministry of International Trade and Industry in the fiscal year 1998. Yumura and Ago have been developing synthetic methods of carbon nanotubes. Recently, they have succeeded in developing a catalyst for synthesizing multi-waEed carbon nanotubes; the method that is expected to promote the practical use of thin waE-hanging television, and many other appEcations.

Carbon nanotubes discovered originaEy by a Japanese scientist Dr. Iijima in 1991 is now drawing much attention as a high luminance, energy savings material used for the source of cold cathode electron in field emission display (FED) for wide flat panel display. The search for ample appEcation of this material has been actively carried out. Recently, synthesizing nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has attracted a great interest as one of the promising synthetic methods. This technique, comparing to arc discharge or laser ablation, has the advantages of the foEowing: (1) possibiEty of mass production

(2) reaction occurs at relatively low temperature

(3) possibiEty of orientation control

When applying this technique, the key to the successful synthesis is a metal catalyst, and nanotubes are known to be produced only when ultra fine particles are used as the catalyst. To manufacture ultra fine metal particles for producing nanotubes, various methods, for example, burying in the porous materials such as zeoEtes or porous sEicon, etching metal thin films with laser or microwave or making ultra fine particles by thermal decomposition of organometaEic complex, etc., have been examined. However, in order to control the structure of nanotubes, it is favorable to utilize weE-controEed ultra fine particles. Moreover, to meet the need for area enlargement of the field emission display which is in the closest to commerciaEzation, a preparation method for easier handEng ultra fine particles is highly desired.

The researchers have synthesized the above mentioned ultra fine metal particles by a chemical method caEed "reversed miceEe method" and appEed them to nanotube producing catalyst.

A reversed miceEe method is a technique to synthesize metal nanoparticles by reducing metal ions in a water pool surrounded with surfactant. They appEed this technique to cobalt which works as a nanotube catalyst, and eventuaEy obtained the cobalt particles with average diameters of 4nm a. This invention uses these nano size cobalt particles to make a zeoEte composite of adsorbents and nanotubes. UOP above-mentioned adsorbents have approximately 40% iron and are provided as carbon nanotube growth seeds. The UOP materials withstand 605 degrees C and can be processed in a carbon nanotube vapor deposition fabrication process. Many trace minerals are in natural zeoEtes and other adsorbents Eke montmorEEnite making each a new species of carbon nanotube adsorbent composite.

The reaction of the cast film of this nanoparticles in acetylene gas at 800-900 DZ resulted in aEgned multi-waE carbon nanotube array as shown in Figure 2Dml.2Dn. As for the growth of nanotubes, it is considered that the different factors such as the condition of the cobalt or reaction temperature have the effect on the oriented films of the nanotubes; and the growth to the same d ection is presumed to be the effect of the existence of adequate equEibrium relationship between the growth speed and the gas density as weE as the gas suppEed from one specific direction. Furthermore, depending on a reaction condition, it has been found that nanotubes grow and form a straight vertical structure. The research group has already confirmed the field electron emission from oriented thin films.

The catalyst solution developed here is stable in ambient atmosphere and easy to handle. Thus appEcation of this solution combined with the screen printing method or ink jet printer faciEtates the enlargement of the field area or patterning. Moreover, it is possible to apply it on curved surfaces, the property which can be profited when applying carbon nanotubes to electron sources or electrodes.

The present invention has been described in relation to a preferred embodiment and several alternate preferred embodiments. One of ordinary skEl, after reading the foregoing specification, may be able to affect various other changes, alterations, and substitutions or equivalents thereof without departing from the concepts disclosed. It is therefore intended that the scope of the Letters Patent granted hereon be limited only by the definitions contained in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

The embodunents of the invention in which an exclusive property or privEege is claimed are defined as foEows:

1. A composition of matter, whose location is controEable through the use of a magnetic field, the composition of matter comprising: a carbon nanotube material having a magnetic material; a magnetic material responsive to a magnetic field; and a magnetic material at the terminating ends of carbon nanotubes for orienting and connecting magnetic fields in motion translational devices.

2. The composition of matter of Claim 1 wherein the adsorbmg material includes a carbon substance that desorbs the adsorbate when an electrical current is appEed thereto and adsorbs the adsorbate when the electrical current is removed therefrom.

3. The composition of matter of Claim 1, further comprising a floating material designed to provide buoyancy of the composition of matter in a predetermined fluid.

4. The composition of matter of Claim 1, further comprising a sinkable material designed to prevent buoyancy of the composition of matter in a predetermined fluid.

5. The composition of matter of Claim 1, further comprising a suspending material designed to suspend of the composition of matter in a predetermined fluid.

6. The composition of matter of Claim 1, wherein the binder material is a copolyimide material.

7. The composition of matter of Claim 1, wherein the composition of matter is utEized in conjunction with a conduit, said conduit being configured to contain fluid flow and including an inlet and outlet port for passage of adsorbate, said conduit further providing a magnetic field for manipulating the location of the composition of matter.

8. The composition of matter of Claim 7, wherein the composition of matter is utEized in conjunction with a dEuted adsorbate and hydrogen peroxide solution, and wherein the solution is passed through the conduit and the composition of matter is passed though the Met port into the solution to adsorb and separate the adsorbate from the solution by removal of adsorbate-saturated composition of matter through the outlet port.

9. The composition of matter of Claim 7, wherein the composition of matter is further utilized in conjunction with a turbine.

10. The composition of matter of Claim 8, wherein the composition of matter is heated and recycled back into the solution in a repetitive cycle.

11. A composition of matter, whose location is controEable through the use of a magnetic field, the composition of matter comprising: an adsorbent material having an adsorbing capacity for adsorbing an adsorbate; and a magnetic material responsive to a magnetic field and bonded to the adsorbent material.

12. The composition of matter of Claim 11 , wherein the adsorbate is biological matter and the adsorbent material is biologicaEy targeted to attract the adsorbate.

13. The composition of matter of Claim 12, further comprising a magnetocaloricz material.

14. A molecular separator apparatus, which uses an electric swing carbon fiber to control desoφtion of an adsorbate from the composition of matter m the apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a first vessel within a second vessel, each vessel bonded electricaEy to the electric swing carbon fiber; a concentric, non-electricaEy conductive seal connectably associated with each of the vessels; and an electric power supply connected to each vessel.

15. The apparatus of Claim 14, wherein the adsorbate is an oderant and the vessels are exposed to air.

16. The apparatus of Claim 14, further comprising a carbon fiber monoEth injected with oderant that are electricaEy desorbable to selectively reproduce smeEs.

17. The apparatus of Claim 14, wherein the adsorbate is an oderant, and said odorants are electricaEy desorbable to selectively reproduce smeEs via a computer network.

18. The apparatus of Claim 14, wherein the adsorbate is an oderant, and said odorants are electricaEy desorbable to selectively reproduce smeEs via television signals.

19. The apparatus of Claim 14, wherein the composition of matter includes a high kinetic adsorbent bonded to the electric swing carbon fiber.

20. The apparatus of Claim 14, wherein the electric swing carbon fiber is in thermaEy conductive contact with a refrigeration cold element to coEect moisture from air and desorb said moisture electricaEy around a due point of a given environment.

21. The apparatus of Claim 14, wherein the composition of matter includes carbon foam.

22. A molecular separator apparatus, which utEizes a magnetic field to control the location of a composition of matter, the apparatus comprising: an adsorbent material having an adsorbing capacity for adsorbing an adsorbate; a magnetic material responsive to a magnetic field; and a binder material for bonding the magnetic material to the adsorbent material.

23. The apparatus of Claim 22, wherein the adsorbing material includes a catalyst substance that desorbs the adsorbate when an electrical current is appEed thereto and adsorbs the adsorbate when the electrical current is removed therefrom.

24. The apparatus of Claim 22, further comprising a floating material designed to provide buoyancy of the composition of matter in a predeteπnined fluid.

25. The apparatus of Claim 22, further comprising a sinkable material designed to prevent buoyancy of the composition of matter in a predetermined fluid.

26. The apparatus of Claim 22, further comprising a suspending material designed to suspend of the composition of matter in a predetermined fluid.

27. The apparatus of Claim 22, wherein the binder material is a copolyimide material.

28. The apparatus of Claim 22, further comprising a conduit configured to contain fluid flow and including an inlet and outlet port for passage of adsorbate, said conduit further providing a magnetic field for manipulating the location of the composition of matter.

29. The apparatus of Claim 28, wherein a dEuted adsorbate and hydrogen peroxide solution is passed through the conduit, and the composition of matter is passed though the inlet port into the solution to adsorb and separate the adsorbate from the solution by removal of adsorbate-saturated composition of matter through the outlet port.

30. The apparatus of Claim 28, wherein the conduit further includes a turbine.

31. The apparatus of Claim 29, wherein the composition of matter is heated and recycled back into the solution in a repetitive cycle.

32. A molecular separator apparatus, which utEizes a magnetic field to control the location of a composition of matter, the apparatus comprising: a non-magnetic, attracting material having an attracting capacity for attracting an attractable material; and a magnetic material responsive to a magnetic field and bonded to the nonmagnetic, attracting material.

33. The apparatus of Claim 32, wherein the attractable material is a predetermined biological matter and the attracting material is biologicaEy targeted to attract the predetermined biological matter.

34. The apparatus of Claim 32, further comprising a magnetocaloricz material.

35. The apparatus of Claim 32, further comprising a fuel ceE operatively connected in fluid communication with the apparatus.

36. The apparatus of Claim 32, wherein the composition of matter is incoφorated with carbon foam mold for casting aluminum foam net shapes.

37. The apparatus of Claim 32, wherein the composition of matter is incoφorated in conjunction with a magneticaEy actuated seaEess valve.

38. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein a permanent magnetic field is connected to a rotating conductive material by incoφorating loose nanotubes within an air gap.

39. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein a permanent magnetic field is connected to a Enear reciprocating conductive material by incoφorating loose nanotubes v thin an air gap.

40. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein a permanent magnetic field is connected to a Enear reciprocating conductive material by incoφorating loose nanotubes within an air gap.

41. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein an electromagnetic field air gap in a motion translational device is connected by incoφorating loose nanotubes within the air gap.

42. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein a magnetic field air gap in a motion translational device is connected by incoφorating loose nanotubes within the air gap.

43. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein a magnetic field air gap in a motion translational device is connected by incoφorating attached nanotubes within the air gap.

44. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein carbon nanotubes are grown onto adsorbent materials by vacuum deposition and teπninated to length by modEied carbon incoφorating magnetic materials.